Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna (PMUY): The scheme was launched in 2016 by the Indian PM, Shri Narendra Modi to provide 50 million LPG connections to women of below-poverty-line families. In the last six years, the initiative has been fruitful in increasing the use of LPG in India. Cash assistance of Rs. 1,600 for PMUY connections is provided by the Government of India (for a connection 14.2kg cylinder/ Rs. 1150 for a 5 kg cylinder). This assistance will cover the security deposit of the cylinder, pressure regulator, LPG hose, domestic gas consumer card, and inspection/ installation charges. Moreover, all PMUY beneficiaries will be provided with the first LPG refill and Stove (hotplate) both free of cost along with their deposit-free connection by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). This scheme aims at using clean cooking fuels such as LPG for rural households which were otherwise using traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, cow-dung cakes, etc.
Also, read about Solar Cookers in India.
Piped natural gas (PNG): The government has been promoting the usage of PNG, which is a more economically viable fuel than LNG. The government recently announced that more than 82% of India’s land area and 98% of the country’s population will be covered with piped cooking gas after the latest expansion work. The cooking gas that comes through the pipe is cheaper and more consumer-friendly than that supplied through cylinders. The government is expecting to raise the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix from 6.5% to 15% by 2030. The government is also planning to blend 15% green hydrogen with piped natural gas for domestic, commercial, and industrial consumption.
Go Electric campaign: Transport Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the Go Electric campaign in February 2021 to raise awareness of the benefits of e-mobility and EV Charging Infrastructure as well as electric cooking in India. This initiative can help India save Rs 8 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel import bills. Gadkari also emphasized that the Ministry of Power should promote the generation of green power from agricultural waste and biomass which can also benefit the farmers across the country. Electric Cooking is safe and can be a boon for consumers due to low heat wastage and energy efficiency.