Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;
3. Unless the structural impediments especially with respect to subsidies are addressed, the Ujjwala 2.0 (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) cannot properly benefit the low-income groups. Evaluate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The sustained rise in the price of LPG cylinders has been burning a hole in many a household budget for more than a year now. The price of LPG refills has risen by more than 50% to over ₹900 per cylinder in November this year compared to around ₹600 over the past year.
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.
