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First Post
3 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Women, rural India and the Modi decade: Who benefited most?
From LPG access to housing and financial inclusion, PM Modi's decade saw transformative welfare schemes targeting women and rural India. Flagship programs like Ujjwala, Jan Dhan, and Awas Yojana empowered millions, while new data shows over 170 million people lifted out of poverty. read more Over the last 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has introduced a series of flagship schemes to empower rural India and women. From clean cooking fuel to housing and bank accounts for the unbanked, these social welfare programmes have not only addressed immediate needs but also contributed to lifting millions out of poverty. Here are six key takeaways from the decade-long impact of the Modi government on rural India and women: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Clean cooking fuel: Ujjwala Yojana transforms rural kitchens Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was a major initiative to replace hazardous solid fuels like firewood and cow dung with clean LPG connections. By May 2024, over 10.3 crore LPG connections had been distributed to below-poverty-line women across the country. The International Energy Agency notes that nearly 681 million people in India still relied on solid fuels for cooking at the program's inception, underscoring the health and environmental stakes. By enabling access to clean energy, PMUY has reduced household air pollution and the burden of disease on rural women while also freeing up time for education and income-generating activities. A roof over every head: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-U) launched in 2015 to provide 'housing for all' in urban India. As of late 2023, the government had sanctioned over 1.18 crore houses, with more than 88 lakh already delivered to beneficiaries. To meet the backlog, the government approved PMAY-U 2.0, targeting the construction of an additional 1 crore houses and extending the program deadline to December 2024. This ambitious push not only improved living conditions but also created jobs in construction and allied sectors further supporting economic upliftment in urban poor and rural migrant populations. Financial inclusion at scale: Jan Dhan Yojana's massive reach The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has emerged as a cornerstone of India's financial inclusion strategy. From just 14.7 crore bank accounts in 2015, the number soared to over 53 crore by August 2024. *According to the latest information, an estimated 36.14 crore RuPay cards have been issued, enabling digital and cashless transactions. *Average deposits in PMJDY accounts grew over 4 times from 2015 to 2024. *The number of zero-balance accounts halved from 8.52 crore to 4.26 crore. *Nearly 100% village coverage with banking access within a 5 km radius. *Jan Dhan laid the foundation for direct benefit transfers (DBTs) and accelerated financial empowerment especially for women and marginalised communities. Millions lifted out of poverty According to the World Bank's Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, India's extreme poverty has plummeted to 5.3% in 2022–23, down from 27.1% in 2011–12. That translates to over 269 million people moving out of poverty, with 172 million of them crossing the international $2.15/day poverty line. Economic growth, expanded access to electricity, sanitation, housing and targeted welfare programs all contributed to this decline, making it one of the most major poverty reduction achievements globally in recent decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Financial inclusion as a catalyst for grassroots growth By extending access to affordable financial services, India has taken decisive steps toward bridging its credit and development gap. Financial inclusion empowers people, especially in rural areas with access to savings, credit, insurance and pensions. This not only encourages entrepreneurship among women and small businesses but also strengthens inclusive economic growth by spreading the benefits to the lowest-income groups. Empowerment beyond welfare: A shift in economic agency The decade under PM Modi has not only seen the distribution of benefits but a strategic pivot towards empowering people as economic actors. Women who once collected firewood now use clean fuel and send their children to school. Families that once lacked formal housing now own a pucca home. People once outside the banking net now participate in the digital economy. As India prepares for the next phase of its development, the last 11 years under the Modi government offer a mixed but undeniably transformational picture, especially for women and rural populations. While challenges remain, the scale and impact of targeted welfare schemes, financial inclusion and poverty reduction have reshaped the socio-economic landscape for millions.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Petrol consumption rises 5%, diesel 4.4% in April; LPG up 6.2%, naphtha down 23.4%
New Delhi: Consumption of petroleum products in the country stood at 20.13 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April 2025, recording a marginal year-on-year decline of 0.2 per cent compared to 20.16 MMT in the same month last year, according to data released by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). Petrol consumption increased 5 per cent to 3.45 MMT in April from 3.29 MMT in April 2024. Diesel, which accounts for the largest share in petroleum products consumption, recorded a 4.4 per cent increase to 8.28 MMT, up from 7.93 MMT in April last year. Consumption of LPG rose 6.2 per cent to 2.52 MMT during the month, as against 2.37 MMT in April 2024. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries accounted for 85.5 per cent of the domestic LPG demand in the month. As on April 30, 2025, the number of PMUY beneficiaries stood at 10.33 crore out of 32.99 crore active domestic connections. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) consumption registered a 3.9 per cent increase at 0.77 MMT as compared to 0.74 MMT in April 2024. Bitumen consumption declined 4.7 per cent to 0.80 MMT. Naphtha consumption fell sharply by 23.4 per cent to 0.93 MMT during the month, compared to 1.22 MMT in April 2024, primarily due to lower offtake by petrochemical plants. Furnace oil and low sulphur heavy stock (LSHS) usage dropped 8.8 per cent to 0.48 MMT. Petcoke consumption declined 3.7 per cent to 1.74 MMT from 1.81 MMT in April last year. Kerosene consumption stood at 0.03 MMT, down 3.7 per cent year-on-year. Light diesel oil (LDO) consumption increased 67.8 per cent to 0.086 MMT, attributed to increased demand from the power sector. Natural gas consumption in April 2025 rose 9.1 per cent year-on-year to 5,901 MMSCM. The fertiliser sector accounted for 29 per cent of the total gas consumption, followed by city gas distribution at 21 per cent, power at 12.5 per cent, and refineries at 8 per cent. The report noted that cargo throughput at major ports increased 7.02 per cent during the month, while electricity consumption rose 2.2 per cent to 139.99 billion units. Total highway toll collection for the month was ₹5,371 crore. The PPAC said the overall growth in petroleum products consumption was supported by increases in petrol, diesel, LPG, and ATF, while the decline in naphtha and fuel oil consumption contributed to the marginal dip in total POL demand.>
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Oil PSUs absorb ₹40,000 cr loss in FY25 to keep LPG affordable; 96,000 retail outlets operational: Govt
New Delhi: India continues to offer one of the lowest domestic LPG prices globally, with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries paying ₹553 per 14.2 kg cylinder despite a 58% increase in international prices, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said. Chairing the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Manesar, Haryana, Puri informed that state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) incurred a combined loss of ₹40,000 crore last year to keep LPG prices affordable. Regular consume₹currently pay ₹853 per cylinder, while PMUY consumers pay ₹553. The per-day cooking cost is approximately ₹6.8 for Ujjwala households and ₹14.7 for non-PMUY consumers. The minister stated that India's LPG coverage rose from 55% in 2014 to nearly 100% today. He said, 'The Government reduced excise duties twice—on November 4, 2021, and May 22, 2022—cutting petrol prices by ₹13/litre and diesel by ₹16/litre. A recent price hike in April 2025 was absorbed by oil companies, shielding consumers from additional burden.' The session, attended by 27 Members of Parliament and Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi, reviewed key developments in fuel affordability, LPG distribution, regional infrastructure, and energy resilience. According to the ministry, India now operates over 96,000 fuel retail outlets, 314 oil terminals and depots, and a 24,000 km product pipeline network. These have supported the consistent availability of fuel, including strategic reserves and LPG caverns for emergency requirements. On LPG consumption and distribution, the ministry reported daily deliveries of more than 56 lakh cylinders. Over 25,000 LPG distributors now operate nationwide, 86% of them in rural areas. These efforts have enabled deeper last-mile access and expanded usage. Highlighting the PMUY's impact, the ministry noted that the government subsidizes the ₹1,058 market cost of each LPG cylinder by ₹505 for Ujjwala beneficiaries. The subsidy results in a retail price of ₹553 per cylinder. For regular consumers, the effective cost is ₹853. MPs present in the meeting acknowledged the ministry's focus on balancing consumer interest and market volatility. They also raised issues related to regional disparities in infrastructure, price sensitivity, and energy resilience. The government assured them that their inputs would inform future policy development. The ministry reiterated its commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and resilient energy solutions while protecting consumer interests through fiscal and policy measures.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Hardeep Puri chairs consultative committee meeting on petroleum & natural gas
New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri chaired the meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Haryana's Manesar on Friday, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said in a release. While chairing the Consultative Committee meeting, the Union Minister highlighted India's remarkable progress in energy affordability, access, and infrastructure development. He underscored the government's proactive measures in stabilising fuel prices, expanding LPG coverage, and boosting refining and distribution capacity across the country. Puri reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to inclusive and consumer-focused energy policies. During the meeting, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Suresh Gopi also attended and witnessed robust participation from 27 Members of Parliament. The MPs shared insightful suggestions and feedback on key issues, including fuel affordability, LPG access, regional infrastructure disparities, and energy resilience. The Minister Hardeep Singh Puri elaborated on how under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India was able to successfully navigate geopolitical adversities to ensure affordability and availability of energy for citizens without any shortage. He noted that when fuel prices were skyrocketing worldwide, India was the only country where prices came down. Notably, the Government reduced excise duties twice--on 4 Nov 2021 and 22 May 2022--slashing petrol by Rs 13/litre and diesel by Rs 16/litre. A recent hike in April 2025 was absorbed by Oil Marketing Companies, protecting consumers from an additional burden. Highlighting LPG reforms, the Minister detailed the transformational impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Since its inception, LPG coverage has soared from 55 per cent in 2014 to nearly universal access today. LPG consumption rose significantly, with daily deliveries exceeding 56 lakh cylinders. Over 25,000 LPG distributors now operate across the country, 86 per cent in rural areas, ensuring deep last-mile reach. Shri Hardeep Singh Puri informed that LPG prices in India are among the lowest globally. Despite a steep 58 per cent increase in international LPG prices, PMUY consumers now pay only Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder. Oil companies incurred a loss of Rs 40,000 crore last year to keep LPG prices affordable. A cylinder costing approximately Rs 1,058 is being provided to PMUY beneficiaries at just Rs 553. For regular consumers, the price is Rs 853. As a result, the per-day cooking cost comes to around Rs 6.8 for PMUY households and Rs 14.7 for non-PMUY users. Union Minister Puri informed that LPG prices in India are among the lowest globally. Despite a steep 58% increase in international LPG prices, PMUY consumers now pay Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder--39% less than the Rs 903 they paid in July 2023. Oil companies have incurred Rs 40,000 crore loss last year in order to keep LPG prices low. Cylinder of approximately Rs 1058 cost is being sold at Rs 553 to Ujjwala consumers. For regular consumers, the price is Rs 853. The per-day cooking cost is now around Rs 6.8 for PMUY households and Rs 14.7 for non-PMUY users. (ANI)
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PNG fueling India's growth: Over 1.47 crore households, 45,000 businesses now connected
New Delhi: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri , on Friday highlighted the transformative impact of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in India, noting that it is now powering over 1.47 crore households, around 45,000 commercial establishments, and more than 20,000 industries across the country. In a post shared on social media platform X, Puri stated: "Over the last decade, commercial PNG connections have grown by 164 per cent and industrial connections by an unprecedented 308 per cent." He emphasised that PNG is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. "It helps industries lower their fuel costs, thereby reducing production expenses and boosting profitability," Puri mentioned. "Additionally, the 24x7 supply through pipelines ensures a seamless production process without storage challenges or fuel shortages," he emphasised. The Union Minister pointed out that PNG is a safer energy option, reducing the risk of gas leaks, and is particularly beneficial for commercial centres and industries. He added that its growing adoption is helping boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs), generate employment, and support local economies. "The commercial adoption of PNG is playing a vital role in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which in turn contributes to employment generation and strengthens local economies," Puri stated. This comes as India witnessed a massive expansion in its City Gas Distribution (CGD) network over the past decade because of the government's sustained push. As of now, the CGD infrastructure covers 100 per cent of the country's population, with record increases in both industrial and commercial PNG connections. According to official data, commercial PNG connections have also risen to 45,000 -- an increase of 164 per cent --while industrial connections have grown by 308 per cent to cross the 20,000 mark. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Puri also highlighted the transformative impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) scheme. Taking to X on May 5, the minister shared some facts to show the defining changes that the scheme has brought on the ground, particularly among the unprivileged strata of society.
