TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 10, 2024: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has emphasized the significant achievements of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, stating that LPG gas connections have reached every home in rural and urban areas, ensuring environmental sustainability and women’s health. The expansion of LPG connections, he noted, has played a key role in protecting trees, forests, and the environment by reducing the use of firewood. The initiative has also relieved countless women from the harmful effects of smoke caused by traditional cooking methods.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while attending the annual conference and felicitation ceremony of LPG distributors organized by the Chhattisgarh Indane LPG Distributors Association at a private hotel in Raipur.
Joining the Chief Minister at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, and MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, who were present as special guests. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister and the distinguished guests honored LPG distributors who have provided gas connections and refilling services for over 25 years, presenting them with mementos in recognition of their dedicated service.
Shri Vishnu Dev Sai praised the pivotal role played by the Petroleum Ministry and the distributors in making domestic gas easily accessible to millions of families, especially in remote and tribal areas. The Ujjwala Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has been a major success, benefiting over 12 crore consumers. The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of Indane distributors who have ensured the timely and efficient delivery of LPG connections to even the most distant regions of the state.
Reflecting on his own childhood experiences, the Chief Minister shared how challenging it was to cook using wood and how difficult it was to get a gas connection in earlier years, recalling the long wait and competition for limited gas coupons. He acknowledged that it was under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and subsequent governments that the process was streamlined and made accessible to the public.
Emphasizing the importance of extending refilling services to tribal and rural areas, Shri Sai also pointed out the broader environmental benefits of LPG use, with fewer trees being cut for firewood.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma congratulated the distributors for their dedication and highlighted the improvements made in administrative processes under Shri Vishnu Dev Sai’s leadership.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap also expressed his gratitude, stating that the widespread distribution of LPG connections has greatly contributed to forest conservation efforts. He shared that over 35 crore gas connections have been established across India.
The event was attended by numerous officials and distributors, with Shri Vikas, the President of the Chhattisgarh Indane LPG Distributors Association, offering the welcome speech. Shri Rupesh Rathore, Divisional LPG Sales Head for Indane, also addressed the gathering.
