Budget 2018: Free LPG connection scheme to cover 8 crore poor women, says Jaitley

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday announced to increase the number of women getting free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

While announcing the Budget 2018, Jaitley said the scheme will now cover 8 crore poor women.

"Govt proposes to increase the target of providing free LPG connections to 8 crore to poor women."

The number was earlier 5 crore.

Also read: Budget 2018: What Jaitley announced for farmers, agricultural sector

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for providing LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.

Meanwhile, the government also plans to construct 2 crore more toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

So far the government has been able to build 6 crore and plans to be 2 crore more toilets.

This budget is considered an aim to establish direct connect with the rural people.

Also read: Budget 2018: Government does not consider cryptocurrencies legal tender, says Jaitley