PMUY and sustained clean cooking fuel consumption: a case study of two districts in West Bengal

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and coverage of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in two districts of West Bengal − South 24 Parganas and Paschim Bardhaman − and to identify the socioeconomic factors that influence the sustained use of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) among PMUY and non-PMUY beneficiaries. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a primary survey conducted among 576 households across both districts. This study uses comparative analysis and regression techniques to assess PMUY coverage, refill behavior and the determinants influencing sustained LPG use. Findings A total sample of 576 has been collected for this purpose. Distributing to 316 and 260 in the respective districts. The data reveals that PMUY coverage is higher in Paschim Bardhaman areas (82.98%) than in South 24 Parganas (50.85%) counterparts. The Poisson regression result further suggests that, as the age of the household head increases, the probability of refilling LPG cylinders for South 24 Parganas decreases. As household members increase, the likelihood of refilling cylinders increases. Nonetheless, better income, ownership of a house, less reported health issues further enhance the likelihood of refilling LPG cylinders for both areas. Furthermore, a study on willingness to pay has been performed to understand why a percentage of the below poverty line (BPL) population is still dependent on non-clean cooking fuel. The study further depicts that their reservation price is far below the existing price of LPG cylinders, which is further responsible for the absence of the market equilibrium. Therefore, policymakers must emphasize this issue and prescribe further targeted subsidy schemes to ensure clean cooking fuel consumption for these marginalized sections of the population. Research limitations/implications One key limitation of this study is the relatively small sample size, which was constrained by time and budget limitations. Due to these constraints, the analysis was limited to a subset of households, which may not fully capture the diversity and complexity of the broader population. A larger sample size involving more households would allow for a more comprehensive and generalizable understanding of the phenomena under investigation. Future research should aim to expand the scope of data collection to include a wider range of households, thereby enhancing the depth and reliability of the findings. Practical implications The findings of this primary survey on the PMUY offer important practical implications for improving the scheme’s implementation and effectiveness. This study identifies key factors that influence the adoption and sustained use of LPG in terms of affordability of refills, awareness of health benefits and accessibility of distribution points. These insights can guide policymakers, implementing agencies and local authorities in refining strategies to increase refill rates, enhance beneficiary support and strengthen last-mile delivery. Social implications This research provides valuable insights into the social impact of the PMUY, highlighting both its effectiveness and areas for improvement based on primary data from beneficiaries. The findings can inform policymakers about the ground-level realities of implementation, helping to enhance outreach, ensure sustained usage and address challenges such as refill affordability and awareness. Ultimately, this research supports efforts to promote cleaner energy use, reduce indoor air pollution and improve the quality of life for the BPL households across India. Originality/value This research is original in every aspect of its design and execution. The questionnaire was specifically developed for this study, reflecting the unique objectives and context of the research. The sample selection process was carefully planned to align with the study’s aims, ensuring relevance and accuracy. Data collection was conducted independently, adhering to rigorous standards to maintain authenticity and reliability. Furthermore, the data analysis was carried out using methods tailored to the specific characteristics of the data set, providing novel insights. Overall, this research presents a fully original and methodologically sound contribution to the field.