Followup: Connections of UJWALA Scheme were allegedly given to APL categories in Anantnag district, Allegations of Misuse of Adhar card also surfaced

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag, 04 December: In yet another alarming development, a significant irregularity has come to light within the framework of the Prime Minister’s ambitious ‘Ujjwala Yojana’ project in the Anantnag district. Reports suggest that numerous connections under the Ujjwala scheme were allegedly provided to Above Poverty Line (APL) categories instead of Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories in the South Kashmir area of Anantnag.

Sources reveal that these connections were erroneously allocated to APL families, causing those genuinely falling under the BPL category to be unjustly deprived of the benefits of the scheme. A recent report by Arising State brought attention to the matter with the headline, “Ujwala Scheme Scandal Unveiled in Anantnag: Allegations of Aadhar Card Misuse Surface.”

Several beneficiaries in Anantnag have come forward, alleging that their Aadhar card details were misused by unidentified individuals or agencies. This misuse has led to the fraudulent acquisition of connections on their Aadhar cards, leaving them in a state of distress.

Disturbingly, in certain remote areas, BPL individuals have reported not receiving the promised LPG cylinders or being asked to pay for them, contrary to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’s provision of free LPG connections to women living below the poverty line. Lack of awareness about the scheme has also been cited as a contributing factor in some regions.

The objective of the Ujjwala Yojana was to offer clean cooking fuel, specifically LPG, to rural and economically deprived households that traditionally used polluting cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes. Launched in May 2016, the scheme aimed to provide relief to those in need.

Despite an initial statement from the Assistant Director FCS&CA Anantnag assuring action, there appears to be little visible progress on the ground. The affected individuals are urging the LG Administration and the District Administration of Anantnag to thoroughly investigate the matter, ensuring that justice is served and the integrity of the Ujjwala Yojana is restored.