In preparation for Holi, the festival of colors, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the distribution of Rs 1,890 crore in subsidies for gas cylinder refills to 1.86 crore eligible families in Uttar Pradesh, as part of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The Chief Minister officially launched the initiative on Wednesday with a press of a button, with district ministers participating via video conference.

Emphasizing the positive change brought about by this initiative, CM Yogi stated, “Whereas people previously had to pay bribes to obtain gas connections, today, 10 crore families throughout the nation have received them at no cost. Moreover, free gas cylinders are offered during Holi and Diwali.” He noted that this year, Holi and Ramzan coincide, allowing even more individuals to benefit from this program.

In his speech, the Chief Minister recalled the launch of the Ujjwala Yojana in 2016, which has assisted 10 crore families nationwide, including nearly two crore in Uttar Pradesh. He reaffirmed the government’s promise made during the 2021 election campaign to provide free gas cylinders during Holi and Diwali if re-elected in 2022. He expressed, “Since then, this initiative has been implemented annually to help families celebrate their festivals with ease. With Holi falling alongside Ramzan this year, the scheme will bring happiness to additional households.”

Reflecting on the past, he mentioned, “In the past, individuals had to pay bribes of Rs 25,000-30,000 for gas connections, and cylinder shortages were common during festivals.” He emphasized that the Ujjwala Yojana was designed to protect underprivileged women from health issues caused by smoke, ensuring that benefits are received without bias.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to food security, stating, “In Uttar Pradesh, 80,000 ration dealers are distributing free rations to 15 crore individuals through 3.6 crore ration cards. Since 2017, e-POS machines have introduced transparency into the ration distribution process, effectively reducing black marketing. Over the past five years, including during the COVID-19 crisis, free rations have been provided monthly to 80 crore people nationwide, including 15 crore beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh.”

Reiterating his government’s dedication to supporting the underprivileged, farmers, and girls, CM Yogi shared that 22 lakh daughters in the state have received financial aid of Rs 25,000 each for education, while 4 lakh daughters have benefited from the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana. He announced that starting April 2025, marriage assistance for daughters will be increased to Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, meritorious girls will receive scooties after board examination results, and residential facilities will be available for working women under the Ahilyabai Holkar scheme.

He mentioned, “In a significant advancement for farmers, the government has raised the wheat procurement price by Rs 150, bringing it to Rs 2,425 per quintal.” The Chief Minister pointed out that ration shops in rural areas are being converted into Annapurna Bhawans, providing essential goods, utilities bill payment facilities, and warehousing all in one place. He revealed that the construction of over 2,000 Annapurna Bhawans is currently in progress. Furthermore, village secretariats are now offering online services for income, caste, birth, and death certificates, improving access to vital services for citizens.

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s impressive development, the Chief Minister noted that the state, once regarded as a BIMARU state, has become the second-largest economy in India. He also stated that India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027.

Discussing the recent Mahakumbh event, he mentioned the participation of over 66.3 crore devotees, underscoring Uttar Pradesh’s significant cultural and spiritual vitality. He praised the dedicated efforts of officers and employees across all departments during the Mahakumbh, stating that their commitment has enhanced the state’s global standing.

The Chief Minister encouraged those who have not registered for the Ujjwala Yojana to do so promptly to take advantage of its benefits. He urged everyone to celebrate Holi in a peaceful and joyful manner. He also interacted with beneficiaries and representatives from gas distribution companies, capturing these moments in photographs.

During the program, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath awarded symbolic cheques to 10 beneficiaries, including Mamta Mishra, Rampata, Rahnuma Begum, Rubina, Shweta Singh, Rupa, Sonam Shukla, Gudiya, Mamta, and Shikha Gautam. Informative videos highlighting the Ujjwala Yojana’s impact and the Mahakumbh were screened on this occasion.