Evaluating the Impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Insights from Rural Bihar

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on rural households in Bihar, with a focus on demographic factors, cooking practices, health outcomes, and women's empowerment. Through primary data collected from 134 beneficiary families, we found that 48% of the beneficiaries had a monthly income of less than ₹5,000, indicating that the scheme has effectively targeted those most in need. Additionally, 41% of beneficiaries lacked formal education, highlighting the challenge of spreading awareness in this demographic. Awareness about the scheme was primarily disseminated through informal channels, with 52% of beneficiaries learning about PMUY from friends and family. The study revealed that while 90% of the beneficiaries have been using LPG for more than two years, the frequency of cylinder refills was low, with 57% not refilling even once in the past year, mainly due to the high cost. The scheme has positively impacted health, with 100% of respondents reporting improvements and 79.1% noting time savings that allowed for other productive activities. The overall satisfaction with the scheme was reflected in an average rating of 3.8 out of 5, categorizing PMUY as "better than average." The findings suggest several areas for improvement, including enhancing subsidies to make refills more affordable, increasing awareness through formal channels, providing targeted education and training programs, establishing monitoring and support mechanisms, and promoting community engagement to reinforce positive behavioral changes.