Jharkhand, with its rich tribal culture and forested environment, has communities historically reliant on biomass fuels such as wood, coal, and dung for cooking—practices linked tosignificant health and environmental risks. To address these issues, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in 2016, aiming to provide clean LPG fuel to low-income households. The article analyzes PMUYs influence on tribal womens cooking practices, outlining key improvements and persisting obstacles. Traditional Cooking Practices in Jharkhand In Jharkhand, tribal women have long relied on fuels like wood, coals and dung for cooking, using open fires or simple stoves in poorly ventilated homes. Prior to 2016, approximately 34% of rural households in Jharkhand had access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), with only 8% utilizing LPG as their exclusive source of cooking fuel as per report of Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). This indicates limited penetration and reliance on clean cooking energy among rural populations during that period, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote broader adoption of LPG for improved health and environmental outcomes. Environmentally, the reliance on biomass contributes to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, which degrade soil quality and harm rural ecosystems. The environmental and social impacts of traditional cooking methods underscore the urgent need for cleaner alternatives like LPG to improve health outcomes and empower tribal communities in Jharkhand. Ujjwala Yojana Initiative & its impact in Jharkhand The Ujjwala Yojana was launched with the goal of addressing the adverse effects of traditional cooking methods by providing subsidized LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to poor households. The key objectives of the scheme are such as by replacing biomass fuels with clean LPG, the scheme aims to reduce indoor air pollution and improve health outcomes for women and children. Access to LPG is intended to reduce the drudgery of collecting firewood, thereby allowing women to invest their time in education, employment, and other productive activities. Shifting to LPG helps reduce deforestation and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. In Jharkhand, approximately 3.9 million (39 lakh) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections have been distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) scheme as on July 2024. This significant rollout reflects the governments concerted efforts to extend access to clean cooking fuel among economically disadvantaged and tribal populations, aiming to address both health and environmental challenges associated with traditional biomass-based cooking methods. Some of the positive outcomes indicate a reduction in respiratory ailments and eye problems among women who have switched to LPG. The decreased exposure to indoor smoke is contributing to better overall health and well-being. Women who have adopted LPG report saving time and labour that was previously spent on collecting firewood. The reduction in the use of biomass fuels is helping to mitigate deforestation and preserve Jharkhands rich forest ecosystems. This has positive implications for biodiversity and climate change. Though, several challenges hinder LPG adoption among tribal women in Jharkhand, including cultural resistance to abandoning traditional cooking, economic hardship due to high refill costs, and poor infrastructure limiting access. Additionally, a lack of awareness and training on LPG benefits and usage further prevents widespread transition, despite initial subsidies and potential health and environmental improvements. The Ujjwala Yojana has the potential to transform cooking practices among tribal women in Jharkhand, offering significant health, economic, and environmental benefits. While progress has been made, addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities is essential for the schemes success. By fostering community engagement, providing financial support, improving infrastructure, and enhancing education and training, the government can ensure that the benefits of Ujjwala Yojana reach even the most remote and marginalized tribal households in Jharkhand. As this initiative continues to evolve, it holds promise for a healthier, more sustainable future for rural communities across the state. Dr Ahmed Raza is Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, MANUU, Hyderabad Mob: 9873770067

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