Abstract: Access to clean cooking fuel is a cornerstone of India’s energy transition, with strong implications for health, gender equality, and sustainable development (SDG 7). While national-level studies highlight progress through initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), micro-level variations remain underexplored. This paper provides a district-wise descriptive analysis of clean cooking fuel adoption in Rajasthan using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21)

    The adoption of clean cooking fuel is a pivotal aspect of India's energy transformation, carrying significant implications for public health, gender equity, and sustainable development. While national studies indicate progress driven by initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a granular understanding of micro-level variations remains limited. This paper presents a district-specific analysis of clean cooking fuel adoption patterns within Rajasthan, utilizing data from the National Family Health Survey.

    The analysis indicates that expanding connections alone, as accomplished through PMUY, is insufficient for a sustainable transition. Rajasthan necessitates interventions tailored to specific districts, integrating financial assistance for affordability, enhancing LPG distribution infrastructure, and aligning with gender and tribal welfare programs. For districts facing geographical challenges, renewable energy sources such as solar and biogas present viable alternatives.
    By establishing the inaugural district-level descriptive baseline for clean fuel adoption in Rajasthan, this research contributes to the existing body of literature on household energy transitions within India. It strongly advocates the implementation of localized, multifaceted policies to achieve universal access to clean cooking fuel, ensuring equitable progress for all communities.

Keywords: Clean cooking fuel, Energy transition, Household energy choice, Rajasthan, NFHS-5(2019-21)