In order to promote safe and sustainable use of LPG in rural kitchens, the Punjab Government on Friday while observing Ujjwala Diwas released nearly 60,000 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana connections at 705 locations across the state.The Ujjwala Diwas was observed in collaboration with the Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs by organising LPG Panchayats in 1260 villages under Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of Food and Civil Supplies Department, which was the nodal Department to execute PMUY, said that the Ujjwala Diwas was aimed at promoting safe and sustained use of LPG amongst rural consumers. He said that the gas connections had been provided to eligible beneficiaries of LPG Panchayats.The spokesperson further said that the LPG panchayats were the platform for the consumers to interact with each other, promote mutual learning, and share their experiences. He informed that each Panchayat had to enrol women under LPG Panchayat with a view to providing a platform for Ujjwala LPG users to share information on how to use LPG safely, as well as spread the message of its multiple benefits, like health, environment and empowerment of women. He said that under PMUY the experienced members of LPG Panchayats would be helpful to boost the confidence of other women about adopting this clean, green cooking fuel safely.The spokesperson further pointed out that the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, SC/ST and AAY card holders were also being benefitted from this scheme.