UJJWALA YOJANA'S ROLE IN TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF SCHEDULE CASTE WOMEN IN GUJARAT

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in May 2016, aimed at providing clean cooking fuel to economically disadvantaged households. The primary objective of the scheme is to reduce the health hazards associated with the use of traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, and cow dung, which produce harmful smoke and pollutants. By promoting the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Ujjwala Yojana seeks to improve indoor air quality and reduce respiratory and other health issues, particularly among women and children. This study examines the transformative role of the Ujjwala Yojana in improving the lives of Scheduled Caste (SC) women in Gujarat. By targeting 200 SC women, the research aims to analyze their perceptions of the scheme and investigate the relationship between their demographic profiles and their views on Ujjwala Yojana. Findings indicate that the majority of SC women believe the scheme has significantly enhanced their overall quality of life, improved family health, and saved considerable time previously spent on traditional fuel collection. Additionally, the study identifies a significant association between demographic factors such as age, monthly income, and family size, and the perceived benefits of the Ujjwala Yojana. These insights underscore the importance of considering demographic variables to maximize the scheme's impact and highlight the need for continued support and expansion of such initiatives to promote health, empowerment, and socio-economic development among marginalized communities.