Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar) [India], June 12 (ANI): Women across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are experiencing a transformative shift in their daily lives through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The scheme, which provides access to clean LPG fuel, has replaced years of hardship marked by smoke-filled kitchens, erratic fuel supplies, and health hazards.
Prema, a resident of Calicut village in Port Blair, shared her journey:
“I got the cylinder under the Ujjwala scheme in 2021. Before that, I faced many difficulties—first cooking on a traditional chulha, then switching to a kerosene stove, but even kerosene was hard to get. When it rained, the firewood would get wet and take ages to light. It used to be so smoky.” She added, “Now, cooking is easy. There is no trouble at all.”
Devi, who received her connection in 2018, echoed similar sentiments.
“Before Ujjwala, we cooked on wood stoves. The smoke was unbearable, and our children used to fall sick. After receiving the connection, everything became easier. The CCS distributor did a great job. I just give a missed call, receive an OTP, and within two days, the cylinder arrives. My heartfelt thanks to the Modi government and IOC.”
Devi also shared a personal memory:
“I got married in 2013 and lived in a joint family. When we had to move into a rented house, we had nothing—not even a stove. My mother made a mud chulha for us. Cooking was a challenge, especially during the rainy season. Even making tea for guests was hard. Getting the Ujjwala connection through CCS was a huge relief.”
Kiran, from Trinket village, who got her connection in 2019, explained how the LPG cylinder has given her the gift of time.
“Earlier, we had to collect firewood from the forest, which made it hard to prepare tiffin for the children. Now, cooking is faster, and I use the saved time for tailoring.”
Sura Bibi from Calicut also benefited from the scheme in 2018.
“Before Ujjwala, we used kerosene, but when that stopped, we went to the forest for firewood. It was tough, especially during the rains. After getting the gas connection, I informed other women too. We now spend more time with our families and feel healthier, as smoke no longer chokes our homes or darkens our utensils.”
Shifa Naushad from Bambooflat, who received her connection in November 2023, recalled:
“Life was really hard. We cooked on chulhas, and getting firewood was difficult. The forest department wouldn’t provide it, and kerosene wasn’t reliable either. We tried using induction stoves, but there were constant power issues and high electricity bills. The smoke from chulhas caused chest pain, and our eyes used to burn. Children would constantly cough. Since getting the Ujjwala connection, all that has changed. Now we cook easily, spend more time with our family, and don’t suffer health issues. I got the stove, pipe, and a filled cylinder—all for free—just a few days after applying.”
Behind these deeply personal stories is the continued effort of IndianOil, which has played a crucial role in extending the benefits of PMUY across the geographically challenging islands. With over 13,800 underprivileged households reached, IndianOil has ensured doorstep delivery of LPG—often via boats or specially equipped vehicles.
The scheme has not only improved health and hygiene but also empowered women, giving them time to focus on family and income-generating activities. Many recipients highlight how the free stove, pipe, and filled cylinder, along with responsive local distribution via CCS and IndianOil, have brought dignity and hope to their lives.
Speaking to ANI, Pushpanjali Rajeev, Chairperson of the Consumer Cooperative Society (CCS) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said,
“This society was established in 1962 when there were only two to four shops in the region. People faced many difficulties and came together to form this society. Today, we have distributed 4,200 Ujjwala connections across the islands, and we have 58,000 regular LPG connections in total.”
The success of PMUY in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reflects not just a change in fuel, but a fundamental shift in the lives of women—ensuring clean kitchens, healthier families, and a brighter, smoke-free future. (ANI)
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