FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UJJWALA YOJANAQ1: What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme (PMUY)?
Ans
: The scheme is for providing LPG Connections to the women of Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Under this Scheme, 5 crore LPG connections will be given to BPL households over a period of three years. During the year 2016-17, 1.5 crore LPG connections will be given to the eligible beneficiaries.
Q2: Whether Scheme Guidelines of PMUY have been notified by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural LPG?
Ans:
Yes, it is been notified and is available on the website of the (www.petroleum.nic.in)
Q3: How do I know who is an eligible beneficiary under PMUY?
Ans: Beneficiary under PMUY will be identified through the published list of SECC-2011 data. Households having one of the Deprivations in the survey would be the target beneficiaries.
Q4: Who will be the beneficiary of Ujjwala Scheme?
Ans: A woman of a BPL household, who does have LPG connection in her household. Such women member may apply for new LPG connections under Ujjwala Scheme by filling the prescribed KYC application and submitting the same to the nearest distributor. While submitting the application form, the woman will submit Proof of Address, Aadhaar number and Jandhan /Bank Account. (If the Aadhaar number is not available, steps would be taken in coordination with UIDAI for issue of Aadhaar number to the woman of BPL household).
Q5: How to know the applicant is eligible under PMUY?
Ans: Applicant will Submit the Ujjwala KYC form to the nearest LPG distributor and the LPG field official/Distributor, who will match the application against SECC-2011 database and after ascertaining their BPL status and physical verification of not having LPG connection at their home, distributors will enter the details (Name, Address, Aadhaar, Bank account details and Aadhaar Numbers of Adult members of family etc.) into a dedicated OMC Web portal through a login/password given by OMC’s. OMC will undertake the de-duplication exercise electronically to detect any multiple connections in the house hold or an existing connection with the adult member of household. If no multiple connection is detected the new LPG connection will be released under the scheme to the beneficiary.
Q6: How will the beneficiary get enrolled under Ujjwala scheme?
Ans: Submit the Ujjwala KYC to the nearest LPG distributor and the LPG field officials will match the application against SECC-2011 database by identifying the beneficiary through AHL_TIN No. and after ascertaining their BPL status, enter the details (name, address, aadhaar etc.) into a dedicated OMC Web portal through a login/password given by OMC’s. OMC will undertake electronically the de-duplication exercise and other measures before release of new LPG connection under the scheme to the beneficiary.
Q7: What all is the Ujjwala beneficiary getting under the scheme Ujjwala?
Ans: Entire cost of new connection, including Security deposit (cylinder and Pressure Regulator), the cost of Suraksha Hose pipe, DGCC book, installation and administrative charges on one-time basis, will be borne by the Government. The total cost of new connection borne by the Government is Rs 1600/-.
Q8: Who will pay the LPG stove charges and refill cost?
Ans: Customer will have to pay towards purchase of LPG stove and first refill charges at the time of release of new LPG connection under the scheme. Beneficiary will have option to make upfront payment for the same or provided with option to avail EMI option to pay the cost of LPG stove or first refill or both by submitting prescribed undertaking for availing loan on Refill/LPG stove to the distributor. Cost of LPG stove or Refill or both will be recovered on EMI basis by the OMC’s from the subsidy amount due to the consumer on purchase of each refill.
Q9: Will there be a priority for customer opting for upfront payment of LPG stove and Refill?
Ans: Yes, the customers opting for upfront payment of LPG stove and Refill will get priority over those opting for EMI for LPG stove and Refill.
Q10. Can a beneficiary buy LPG Stove from the market and avail the benefit?
Ans: A customer can do so provided the LPG stove is ISI marked.
Q11. Who will bear the cost of Suraksha Hose, DGCC, Installation Charges besides Security Deposit of Cylinder and Pressure Regulator?
Ans: Cost i.e. Rs 1600/- per connection is borne by the Government by means to reimbursing to Oil Marketing Company. OMCs, inturn, reimburse the Cost of Suraksha Hose Pipe, DGCC book and one-time installation and administrative charges i.e (Rs.100+25+75=200) to respective distributor’s account on weekly basis after weekly reconciliation of number of LPG connections released by them under the PMUY scheme.
Q12: How will distributor receive his investment made towards the LPG stoves and first refill cost given to customers who have availed EMI option?
Ans: In case of beneficiary availing EMI facility, initially the cost of LPG stove and First refill will be borne by distributor and will be reimbursed by respective OMC based on number of connections released on weekly basis under the PMUY scheme on EMI taken by customers.
Q13: Applicant claims to belong to a BPL household but her name is not appearing in SECC data. In that case, who is to be contacted to get the name added?
Ans: New connection under PMUY will only be released to women whose name is duly recorded in SECC -2011 data.
Q14: Applicant name is appearing under the beneficiary Ujjwala, but she is no more alive, can her daughter/granddaughter get the Ujjwala connection?
Ans: They are eligible subject to other conditions that only connection will be given to the household and fulfilling of other conditions as prescribed.
Q15: None of the family member is having Aadhaar or Bank account, how to apply for Ujjwala?
Ans: it is mandatory to have Aadhar as well as Bank account in the name of beneficiary. For other members of the household, it is mandatory to furnish Aadhar number.
Q16. Can a customer who has taken connection under Ujjwala transfer her connection?
Ans: No. however, connection can only be transferred upon demise of the beneficiary to the member of household only, preferably in the name of woman member.
Q17: How to deal with advance amount given to consumer who has availed EMI option and wants a transfer?
Ans: The transfer will not happen during the life time of beneficiary. However, connection will be transferred in the name of family member subject to clearing of outstanding balance amount.
Q18: Where can a consumer get more information about PMUY (UJJWALA) Scheme?
Ans: a) For getting any information, providing feedback and for registering any complaint OMCs have call center which is accessible at Toll Free No 18002333555. b) Consumers can also visit http://petroleum.nic.in/dbt/index.htm or visit transparency portal of their LPG Company (IOC, BPC, HPC) through www.myLPG.in.
Q19:What is AHL_TIN No.?
Ans: AHL_TIN No. is Abridged Household List-Temporary Identification Number which is a 29 digit temporary number given by SECC-2011. Identification of beneficiaries is based on the AHL_TIN. For every family it is starting with “head” of the family and AHL_TIN No. ends with “1”. AHT_TIN of corresponding family members then on series ending with…….. 2, 3, 4
Q20: A BPL family person doesn’t have his/her name appearing in SECC-2011 beneficiary list. How can he/she get enrolled?
Ans: The beneficiary to approach the concerned District collector.
Q21: What is SECC 2011 data?
Ans: The SECC, 2011 was conducted through a comprehensive programme involving the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India and the State Governments. The Ministry of Rural Development Government of India, commenced the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011, in June 2011 through a comprehensive door to door enumeration across the country. This is the first time such a comprehensive exercise has been carried out for both rural and urban India. It is also expected to generate information on a large number of social and economic indicators relating to households across the country.
Q22: What is the process of collection of data through SECC?
Ans : The process is as follows:
• Each Collector/District Magistrate will formulate a District/Town Plan and a Communication Plan
• 24 lakh Enumeration Blocks (EB) will be used for the SECC, 2011- each Enumeration Block has roughly 125 households. These are the same Enumeration Blocks that were formed during the Census 2011. The enumerators will be provided copies of the layout maps and Abridged House List prepared during Census 2011. This will ensure complete coverage of the area.
• Enumerators will be trained to conduct the SECC, 2011 • Each Enumerator will be assigned 4 Enumeration Blocks, and every 6 Enumerators will be assigned to one Supervisor • Enumerators will visit every household identified in the Enumeration Block and canvas the questionnaire. They will also reach out to homeless populations (eg. people living in railway stations, roadsides etc.
• A data entry operator will accompany each Enumerator
• The data will be captured directly on an electronic handheld device (a tablet PC). The hand held device will have the scanned images of the forms filled up for National Population Register (NPR). This will also ensure complete and accurate coverage
• The information (held in the tablet PC) will be read out to the respondent, who will verify it. A printed acknowledgement slip, signed by the Enumerator and Data Entry Operator will be given to the respondent • Collected data will be verified in the Panchayat
• After all the information is collected from an Enumeration Block, a draft publication list will be prepared for verification • Within a week of publication of the draft list, the list will be read out at the Gram Sabha in all rural areas
• Any person can file claims/objections and information furnished before designated officers for this purpose. The draft list will be made available at the Gram Panchayat, Block Development Office, Charge Centre and District Collector’s Offices
• The list will also be uploaded on the NIC/State Government/MoRD/MoHUPA websites. This will aid transparency and increase accountability
Q23: What is authenticity of SECC Data?
Ans: SECC data is authenticated through following stages
Draft Publication: After Enumeration & Supervision phase, a draft publication/list is prepared with all information in the survey questionnaire. Information on the persons /household€™s religion and caste/ tribe name is not published. The lists so printed are being published and placed at the following places
1. Panchayat Office
2. Another prominent location in the Panchayat
3. Office of the BDO.
Draft list is made available in the offices of Gram Panchayat, BDO, Charge Centre and District Collector for perusal by any person interested in it. A person in each of these offices has been designated to facilitate the inspection and also to accept the claims and objection from the public. Claims and objection is accepted if sent by post or courier, if the identity of the complainant is legibly mentioned. Anonymous and bulk complaints are not accepted.
The draft list along with the Information regarding placement of the lists is sent to the District Collectors. A notice regarding the draft publication is printed in the local media/newspaper. Within a week of publication of the draft list, the list is read out in the Gram Sabha. All claims/objections raised in the Gram Sabha meeting are recorded and considered as claims/objection and are disposed off by the designated officer like other claims and objections. The list is also uploaded in the NIC/ State Government/ MoRD/ MoHUPA website with provision to take household-wise print out and lodge claims and objections
Claims and Objections: Claims and objections will be limited to the facts displayed in the list only. Claimant or objector may also support claims with documentary evidence. Forms meant for filing objections to the inclusion of name(s) of person(s) in the published draft list and for corrections/ modifications of entries in the draft list and for filing claims for inclusion, in case of omission, are made available to the applicants free of charge on demand at the centre (i.e. office of the Block Development Officer). An acknowledgement slip, which is available at the bottom of the respective forms, shall be given to all applicants along with details of date, time and place of the hearing of these claims and objections. This date should not exceed 7 days from the date of receipt of forms. For this purpose the State Government will notify officers who will be competent to take a decision on claims and objections. A Summary hearing will be conducted by Officers appointed by the State Government. Records of the summary hearing will be uploaded onto the database through a system provided by BEL. A copy of the order is given to the person concerned. Persons not satisfied with their decision have a right to appeal at the district level. The State Government will appoint officers at the District level competent to take decisions at this level. An acknowledgement slip should be given to the applicant with details of date, time and place of the hearing of these claims and objections. This date should not exceed 7 days of receipt of forms. Period for filing claims and objections would be 21 days from the day of publication of the draft list.
Final List Publication: At the end of the 31st day from the publishing of the draft report, the final lists are being published. The Final List are sent to
1. All Panchayats
2. All Block Offices
3. Other Offices of the State Government that are considered appropriate The Final List is generated from the MIS only.
The final list will also be uploaded in the NIC/ State Government/ MoRD/ MoHUPA website.
Q24: Where to download SECC -2011 data?
Ans: To download SECC data from NIC website http://lpgdedupe.nic.in/secc/secc_data.html and have a ready reckoner for target consumer and villages under respective district of the state.
Q25: Do I need user id and login to download SECC 2011 data for my district/village?
Ans: SECC data has been also provided through NIC portal using URL http://lpgdedupe.nic.in/UJJWALA.The portal can be accessed using secured log in, password and captcha.NIC has provided distributor wise log in credential Distributor Log In Default password Nic@123. On first login the user will be forced to change the password as per the stated password policy. Distributor must ensure retaining the changed password carefully & safely.
Q26. If there is mismatch in age as per Aadhaar and SECC data e.g. a beneficiary birth year is 2000 (aged 16 years) as per Aadhaar (minor) whereas SECC data indicates the age as 20 years (Major), which is to be considered?
Ans: The age as in Aadhaar will be considered as correct one.
Q27. Name and number of family members as per SECC list does not match with what is declared in Ujjwala form by the applicant. Whom to report and resolve?
Ans: The variations of name in SECC data with Aadhaar and Bank account will be considered to the extent of Near Match provided the name of Father/Mother or Spouse, as the case may be.
Q28. Aadhaar numbers of all adult family members as per SECC list were not provided by the UJJWALA applicant. Will the beneficiary be entitled for release of connection?
Ans: In case of non-availability of Aadhaar of other adult family members, the customer should give a reason and declaration to the effect that, they do not have any connection in the name of these family members, and they will provide the Aadhaar Numbers within 6 months period time from the date of enrolment. Such consumers will not be eligible for EMI scheme for Stove and cost of LPG.
Q29. What is the qualifying Criteria for release of LPG Connection under Ujjwala Scheme?
Ans.
• Name should be available in the list of SECC data
• Aadhaar document
• Bank account details (IFCSC code and Account Number (The beneficiary can either a sole account holder or a joint account holder essentially in the name of Beneficiaries).
• Aadhaar of all major (above 18yrs) family members submitted
Q30. The family name is available in SECC data but there is no female member (like a family with father, sons and minor daughter, the mother has expired) Death of only female member in the family. How to extend the benefit of BPL family in such cases?
Ans. New connection under the Scheme may be released to eligible male member subject to upfront payment of beneficiary’s share.
Q31. If there are any discrepancies in the beneficiary list in SECC-2011 data, what is process to get it resolved?
Ans: It is incumbent upon the beneficiary to get the discrepancy rectified before processing the request to release the connection.
Q32. The existing BPL family has split into two families as a result of separation or as a result of marriage, and hence there is a claim of two or more members asking to LPG connection?
Ans: it is mandatory for each family to exist as separate unit in the SECC data without which no separate connection will be released. However, one family is allowed to get new connection.
Q33. What if a family is listed in SECC Data but not found in the given address?
Ans. The NIC should delete /deactivate the AHL_TIN from SECC data.
Q34. What if the kitchen of the beneficiary is unsafe (thatched/ Leaves roof house, have no elevated platform for LPG installation and Poor ventilation)?
Ans. Matter to be taken up with State Govt/ local body helps if that could be arranged. Tie up with some voluntary agencies.
Q35. OMCs are not able to recover the advance loan towards Cost of Stove and LPG Approx. Rs 1500/- per connection even in next 2 FY. After taking the LPG connection under PMUY and the beneficiaries consumption is very low or beneficiaries has moved out or are not traceable, or have sold the equipment etc. In such cases how to compensate the OMC losses?
Ans. Government to reimburse OMCs any outstanding amount pending for recovery beyond the 2 Financial Year as if the consumer in regular way are expected to consume that much numbers of refill. PPAC to be advised accordingly by MoP &NG
Q36: Is it necessary to upload scan copies of Aadhaar and Bank details, along-with KYC in OMC portal?
Ans. Yes, distributor to upload the scan copies.
Q37: In Gujarat, Rs 100/- is being collected from customer toward stamp duty. Can this amount become part in EMI or it is to be collected from customer?
Ans. Beneficiary of this Scheme to bear the cost towards stamp duty.
Q38: Is there any restriction on number of connections to be released under Ujjwala?
Ans. It is one per family. No other member of the eligible household can get regular connection.
Q39. Is there any restriction on number of connections to be released under Ujjwala with Refill in EMI?
Ans. No
Q40. Is there any Restriction on number of connections to be released under Ujjawala with HP in EMI?
Ans. No
Q41. Is there any Restriction on number of connections to be released under Ujjawala with Refill & HP in EMI?
Ans. No
Q42. How will the customer know what is her total loan amount and when will her loan is repaid?
Ans: Each OMC to maintain separate ledger account of such beneficiaries who have availed loan through EMI facility. It should be shared with the distributor and available to consumer on call.
Q43. If there are 7 (above 18 Yrs.) members in a family as per SECC and the customer says only 5 are living with him. Should a distributor insist on 7 Aadhar or issue connection with 5 Aadhar.
Ans. While carrying out KYC documentation utmost effort must be given for obtaining the Aadhar number of all other family members reflecting in SECC data. However even after exercising best effort if aadhaar number of any family member is not available, form should not be rejected. However the beneficiary to be conveyed to provide the aadhaar number in next three months when available.
Q44. When will the Scheme roll out in my State?
Ans. The Scheme was launched by Hon’ble PM in UP on 1st May, 2016 and was launched in Dahod for the States of Gujarat, MP and Rajasthan on 15th May, 2016. The Scheme is rolled out in a phased manner across the country. It has been decided to give priority to States / UTs having low LPG coverage against the national coverage.
Q45. Is there any quota prescribed for each State?
Ans. There is no State-wise quota fixed so far. There is an overall target of 5 crore in three years and 1.5 crore in the first year. However, priority will be given to such States/UTs having average LPG coverage less than the national average.
Q46. Can the State Government contribute part of the cost of a connection?
Ans. Yes, that is possible but the Scheme name would remain PMUY and no other name would be permitted. While distributing the connections, credit may be suitably given to the State Govt. agency for its contribution.
Q47. In case of North Eastern states where there were different Deposit rates existing, what will be the Security Deposit rate of Ujjwala connection?
Ans. Security Deposit rate under ujjwala scheme is uniform across the country in which cost of security deposit is borne by Government of India.
Q48. Can a customer avail 5kg cylinder under Ujjwala.
Ans. Yes, 5kg cylinder is also covered under Ujjwala scheme.