Abstract: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMMY) on promoting gender equality in the rural part of Kandhar taluka in Nanded district of Maharashtra. The present study was conducted in the rural part of Kandhar Taluka during the year 2023-24. Gender equality means that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of individuals do not depend on whether they are male or female or from rural or urban environments. Women deserve to live with dignity, safety and security. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMMY) was launched in May 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with the objective of ensuring availability of clean cooking fuels like LPG to rural and underprivileged households, who are otherwise using traditional cooking fuels. These were firewood, cow dung cakes, and coal etc. The scheme aims to empower women and protect their health by providing them free LPG cylinders.  Survey was conducted from 150  beneficiaries of PMUY. Gender equality variables for the study includes Increase the Access to education, Increase the opportunity in decision-making, Increase the Participation in social  events, Increase the Participation in social  events, Freedom from social bounding , Self-respect, Political participation  .The data was collected through demographic information and interview schedule from women residing in the rural sector in Kandhar Taluka . Descriptive statistics (By using SPSS) was used for data processing. In this study , results found that there is positive Impact of  Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)on gender equality by increasing  opportunity in decision-making, Participation in social  events ,Participation in social  events, Freedom from social bounding , Self-respect and  Political participation

Keywords: PMUY, Rural, Gender, Equity, decision making.

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.117111