The central government’s flagship programme to provide free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections to poor women has been in operation for two years, providing more than 3.5 crore LPG connections . This much-needed scheme is a major step to reduce indoor air pollution, drudgery faced by women, and one that promises to extend LPG access with significant potential health benefits. The programme has largely succeeded in disbursing LPG connections to poor households, but little is known about the progress of the scheme with respect to LPG use. Has it led to sustained use of clean fuels among poor households? While this article attempts to answer that question, there is need for more information about the scheme in the public domain for a comprehensive evaluation and mid-course correction to help achieve all its social objectives.

A version of this article was published in the Economic and Political Weekly on 19th May 2018.