GoI rolls out PMUY 3.0, fresh LPG releases begin in Nagaland

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | December 3

The Government of India has launched the new phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 3.0 where fresh releases of LPG connections have begun across Nagaland. This was announced at a press briefing today in Niathu, with Himakshi Saikia, State Level Coordinator (SLC) Nagaland (OMC); Amarjyoti Bordoloi, Chief General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL); and I Anungba Sanglir, Additional Director, Department of Food & Civil Supplies addressing the media fraternity.

Saikia said the objective was to create public awareness about the scheme’s benefits, eligibility criteria, and the state’s implementation status. IOCL’s Chief General Manager Bordoloi informed that Nagaland has recorded 4.7 lakh LPG connections, including 1.2 lakh free connections under PMUY. With the nationwide rollout of PMUY 3.0 and the Centre’s approval of 25 lakh additional free connections, more eligible women in Nagaland particularly in rural and remote areas are expected to benefit.

On additional delivery charges, IOCL Chief General Manager Amarjyoti Bordoloi clarified that LPG distributors are prohibited from collecting any extra charges from PMUY applicants. However, he noted that in states like Nagaland where delivery routes often extend beyond the prescribed limits, local administrations are permitted to fix and levy additional delivery fees to cover such extended distances.

Bordoloi said that any unauthorised or excessive charges should be reported immediately. Beneficiaries can lodge complaints through the toll-free helpline 1800-233-3555.

CSC unavailability & FPS non-response
When the press queried on how many Common Service Centres (CSCs) were currently running in Nagaland, Saikia admitted that the state currently has no functional CSCs for PMUY registration, as existing CSCs are engaged primarily in Aadhaar-related services.

She said that the OMCs have approached the Department of Food and Civil Supplies about a year ago to explore whether Fair Price Shops (FPS) could assist with PMUY registration, especially in areas lacking functional CSCs. Responding to this, I Anungba Sanglir said the department is open to enabling FPS to support the process if required. He added that the department had already issued a public notice seeking such participation, but “we have received no response from the public so far,” he noted.

Despite these bottlenecks, the officials urged women from remote villages to step forward and apply through LPG distributorships or the PMUY portal.

PMUY was launched in 2016 to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households. It has so far issued 10.33 crore connections nationwide. The new phase, Bordoloi said, reaffirms the government’s push for clean cooking fuel, women’s empowerment, and improved health.

LPG usage among PMUY beneficiaries has steadily increased, rising to 4.47 refills per household in FY 2024–25, up from 3.01 in FY 2019–20.

Who is eligible
Adult women from poor households without an existing LPG connection. Eligibility is based on a Deprivation Declaration, verified by the District Ujjwala Committee. No caste certificate is required; biometric Aadhaar authentication is mandatory.

Documents required are KYC form with photograph, Aadhaar of applicant and all adult family members, family composition proof, Bank account details, deprivation declaration, proof of address only if it differs from Aadhaar.

Migrant applicants may submit self-declarations in place of address and family composition proof.

How to apply
Visit any LPG distributorship, or apply online at pmuy.gov.in. One can also apply at CSCs (where functional).

Each new beneficiary under PMUY 3.0 will receive a deposit-free cylinder, pressure regulator, Suraksha hose, DGCC, administrative charges, and courtesy of OMCs, a free stove and first refill. Applicants may choose between 14.2 kg or 5 kg single or double bottle connections.