• Kerosene has traditionally been used to meet the lighting and cooking needs, especially in rural areas. The government has decided to phase out use of kerosene for cooking and lighting in view of the increasing coverage of electricity for lighting needs and LPG as a clean cooking fuel. 

• The government of India has taken significant steps to promote clean energy alternatives to kerosene, focusing on reducing dependency on kerosene for cooking and lighting purposes. 

• These efforts align with the broader goals of environmental sustainability, energy security, and improved public health. 

1) Phasing Out Kerosene

• The allocation of Public Distribution System (PDS) Kerosene has been rationalized due to its polluting nature. Since 1 March 2020, the retail selling price of PDS kerosene has been maintained at NIL under-recovery on a pan-India basis.

• From 2015-16 to 2019-20, the government provided cash incentives to states for voluntarily surrendering PDS kerosene allocations. As a result, 13 states have become kerosene-free as of FY 2023-24.

• States/UTs are allowed to draw one month’s quota of PDS kerosene at non-subsidised rates for special needs like natural calamities, religious functions, fisheries, and yatras.

2) Promoting Clean Cooking Fuel

• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Launched in May 2016, PMUY aims to provide LPG connections to poor households. Key features include:

• Targeted Subsidy: A subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (and proportionately for 5 kg cylinders) for up to 12 refills per year is provided to PMUY beneficiaries. This brings the effective price of a 14.2 kg cylinder to  Rs 503 in Delhi.

• Expanded Access: Over 10.33 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries have been covered, increasing LPG access from 62% in April 2016 to near saturation levels.

• Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives like LPG Panchayats, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, and IEC campaigns have been conducted to promote the benefits of LPG and ensure safe usage.

• Simplified Processes: Online applications for PMUY connections, 5 kg Double Bottle Connections (DBC), and options for migrant families to avail connections with self-declaration instead of proof of address have been introduced.

• Rural Expansion: 7,959 new LPG distributorships have been commissioned since April 2016, with 93 per cent catering to rural areas.

3) Clean Energy Alternatives for Lighting

• Saubhagya Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana has achieved near-universal electricity access, providing a cleaner alternative to kerosene for lighting.

• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY): This scheme has strengthened rural electrification, further reducing reliance on kerosene.

4) Multi-Pronged Clean Energy Strategy

• Natural Gas Promotion: The government is promoting the use of natural gas as a cleaner fuel/feedstock to increase its share in the economy.

• Renewable and Alternative Fuels: Initiatives like ethanol blending, second-generation ethanol, compressed biogas (CBG), and biodiesel are being promoted.

• Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT): Launched to promote CBG as an automotive fuel.

• Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Efforts are being made to improve energy efficiency across sectors.

5) International Collaborations

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): India, as a founding member, is leading global efforts in solar energy adoption.

• Global Biofuel Alliance: Launched during India’s G20 presidency in September 2023, this alliance promotes biofuels as a sustainable energy source.

6) Key Achievements

• Reduction in Kerosene Dependency: The rationalisation of PDS kerosene and the success of PMUY have significantly reduced kerosene usage.

• Universal Electricity Access: Schemes like Saubhagya and DDUGJY have ensured near-universal access to electricity, eliminating the need for kerosene for lighting.

• Increased LPG Penetration: LPG access has risen from 62 per cent in April 2016 to near saturation levels, with over 10.33 crore PMUY beneficiaries.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)