Gautam Buddh Nagar, February 28, 2026:
On the occasion of Holi, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a major relief measure for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana by distributing gas cylinder refill subsidies across the state. A grand state-level event was held at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, where subsidies amounting to ₹1,500 crore were disbursed to benefit 1.86 crore Ujjwala beneficiary families.
The financial assistance, announced as a Holi gift, reflects the state government’s commitment toward supporting economically weaker and needy families. The initiative aims to provide relief to households by reducing the financial burden of cooking gas refills, especially during festive times.
In connection with the state-level program, a district-level event was organized at the Collectorate premises in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The program was conducted in a dignified and celebratory atmosphere, with a large number of beneficiary women attending enthusiastically. The live telecast of the Lucknow event was screened on LED screens at the Collectorate, allowing attendees to watch the proceedings in real time.
The district event was attended by BJP District President Abhishek Sharma as the chief guest. During the program, Abhishek Sharma and Chief Development Officer Dr. Shivakant Dwivedi symbolically distributed gas cylinder refill subsidy cheques to 50 selected Ujjwala beneficiaries in the district.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers highlighted the transformative impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. They stated that the scheme has freed mothers and sisters from the harmful effects of smoke generated by traditional cooking fuels, thereby safeguarding their health and dignity. They further emphasized that providing subsidy support during a family-oriented festival like Holi would offer financial relief and strengthen household kitchens. The government, they said, remains committed to ensuring that no eligible family is deprived of the benefits of welfare schemes.
Additional District Magistrate (Land Acquisition) Bachchu Singh, Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) Atul Kumar, In-charge District Supply Officer Smriti Gautam, supply inspectors, other concerned officials, and beneficiary women were also present at the event.
Providing further details about the subsidy distribution, In-charge District Supply Officer Smriti Gautam stated that under the first phase of the scheme (October 2025 to December 2025) and the second phase (January 2026 to March 2026), free cylinder refills are being provided to eligible beneficiaries. In Gautam Buddh Nagar district, 50 selected beneficiaries were symbolically handed cheques representing a subsidy amount of ₹550.5 each.
She explained that the price of a 14.2 kilogram LPG cylinder is ₹850.5. Of this amount, ₹550.5 is being provided as subsidy by the state government, while ₹300 is contributed by the central government. The combined subsidy significantly reduces the effective cost of the refill for beneficiaries, ensuring that clean cooking fuel remains affordable for low-income households.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched to promote the use of clean cooking fuel among economically weaker sections, has played a crucial role in improving public health and environmental conditions. By replacing traditional biomass fuels with LPG, the scheme has helped reduce indoor air pollution and associated health risks, particularly for women and children.
The Holi subsidy distribution initiative further strengthens the government’s welfare outreach by providing timely financial support during a major festival. Officials reiterated that the objective is to extend the benefits to all eligible families and to ensure seamless implementation at the grassroots level.
The district administration coordinated the event smoothly, ensuring the participation of beneficiaries and proper dissemination of information regarding subsidy phases and eligibility. Beneficiaries present at the event expressed appreciation for the support extended by the government, especially during the festive season.
The program concluded with a reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to transparent and efficient delivery of welfare schemes in the district.
