Gandhinagar, Gujarat: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has significantly empowered women across India, according to experts gathered at a national workshop held at the Central University of Gujarat (CUG) on March 12, 2024.
Prof. Rama Shanker Dubey, Vice-Chancellor of CUG, inaugurated the workshop organized by the university’s School of International Studies and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). He emphasized that the scheme promotes inclusive development, aligning with India’s long-held ideals of equality.
Titled “The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: A Study of Select Districts in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi,” the workshop explored the social and economic impacts of the scheme on women in various regions.
Social worker Shailja Andhare, the keynote speaker, praised the Ujjwala scheme as a turning point for women’s empowerment. Dr. Anupa Mahavir Singh Chauhan, Principal of Government Arts College, Gandhinagar, highlighted the importance of clean energy access, particularly for rural women who benefit from efficient cooking and time saved through LPG use.
Professor Manish, Dean of the School of International Studies, and Dr. Preeti Sharma, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of the research project, both spoke about the scheme’s role in building a more inclusive society. Dr. Sharma emphasized that Ujjwala goes beyond just providing LPG connections, aiming for holistic women’s empowerment.
The research project, led by Dr. Sharma along with co-investigators Dr. Satish Agrawal and Dr. Radha Kumari, studied the scheme’s impact across districts in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. The workshop also honored women beneficiaries, showcasing the program’s real-world impact.
The workshop received praise from Dr. Eva Loreng of CUG for its focus on women’s empowerment and societal progress. Additional sessions provided a platform for further discussion on the Ujjwala scheme’s positive contributions.
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