Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;
3. Ujjwala 2.0 (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) is certainly a step in the right direction to improve access to LPG over its earlier version but unless the structural impediments are addressed the poor cannot properly benefit from it. Evaluate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the second phase of the Ujjwala gas connection scheme for the poor and said it would provide the biggest relief to lakhs of migrant worker families in the country.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about aims of Ujjwala 2.0, the bottlenecks that the poor face in accessing LPG and to suggest measures to overcome those.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you must pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the aims and objectives of Ujjwala 2.0 (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana).
Body:
Write a brief comparison with its earlier version, its successes and limitations and how Ujjwala 2.0 is an improvement over its previous version.
Next, write about the various impediments like affordability, administrative issues, low value for women’s labour etc poor face while accessing LPG which causes them to continue to use firewood and cow dung as fuel.
Write the measures that need to be taken to enhance and promote the usage of LPG. Mention the aspect of integrating other forms clean energy apart from LPG which is accessible and affordable.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
