Yogi Cabinet Approves 2 Free LPG Cylinders Under Ujjwala Yojana, 3 Sarees for Anganwadi Workers

Delivering substantial financial relief to household budgets ahead of the major festive season, the Uttar Pradesh state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved key welfare measures focused on women's empowerment on Friday. The headline decisions sanction two free cooking gas cylinder refills for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries for the financial year 2026-27, alongside an increase in the annual uniform allowance for grassroots childcare personnel. Announcing the cabinet approvals at the Lok Bhavan in Lucknow, State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna confirmed that the twin welfare moves will inject ₹2,161.80 crore directly into supporting women and frontline Anganwadi staff across the state.

Dual-Phase Free LPG Cylinders: ₹2,142 Crore Outlay for Ujjwala Beneficiaries

The cooking gas refill subsidy is structured across two distinct distribution windows to support families during major festivals:

• Two-Phase Delivery Schedule: The first free LPG cylinder refill distribution window runs from October to December 2026, while the second operational phase spans January to March 2027.

• Massive Financial Commitment: The state exchequer has allocated an expenditure of ₹2,142.78 crore to fully finance the refill subsidy program for the 2026-27 financial year.

• Biometric & Bank Authentication Mandate: Beneficiaries must ensure that their registered bank accounts are linked with government identification and authenticated to receive direct benefit reimbursements without delay.

Anganwadi Uniform Quota Raised to Three Sarees Annually

Recognizing the demanding field conditions faced by maternal and child healthcare workers in rural areas, the cabinet sanctioned an expansion in uniform distribution:

• Annual Uniform Increase: A total of 3,80,290 Anganwadi workers and assistants across Uttar Pradesh will now receive three sarees every year instead of two.

• Dedicated Financial Sanction: The state government has set aside an additional financial budget of ₹19.02 crore to procure and distribute the expanded clothing quota.

• Practical Relief for Field Staff: Addressing concerns regarding heavy daily travel, monsoon conditions, and rapid garment wear, the third saree provides necessary daily backup for frontline community workers.

Cabinet Restores Identity: Bhadohi Renamed 'Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi'

The cabinet meeting concluded with a key administrative and cultural decision concerning the prominent carpet manufacturing belt of eastern Uttar Pradesh:

• District Name Restoration: Honoring the spiritual and cultural legacy of Saint Ravidas, the cabinet passed a formal resolution renaming Bhadohi district as "Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi."

• Historical Background: Finance Minister Suresh Khanna stated that the district had historically carried the name of Saint Ravidas before being altered under the previous Samajwadi Party administration, leading the present cabinet to reinstate the cultural nomenclature.