Delhi Government Greenlights Free LPG Cylinder Initiative for Festive Seasons
In a significant welfare move, the Delhi Cabinet has granted approval to a scheme that will provide free LPG cylinders to eligible beneficiaries during the festive occasions of Holi and Diwali. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced this decision on Tuesday, highlighting that a substantial allocation of Rs 242 crore has been sanctioned for the implementation of this initiative.
Financial Assistance and Beneficiary Details
Under this newly approved scheme, households possessing valid ration cards will receive an amount of Rs 853 directly into their bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. This sum corresponds to the current cost of an LPG cylinder and is designed to offer relief during the festive periods.
For beneficiaries enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the assistance will be adjusted to account for the central government's subsidy. Specifically, they will receive Rs 553 per cylinder after the deduction of the Rs 300 subsidy provided by the central authorities.
Eligibility and Implementation Framework
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that all households with ration cards are eligible for this scheme, with the exception of those currently using PNG pipelines. The financial aid will be disbursed on two key occasions—Holi and Diwali—regardless of whether the cylinder is refilled in that particular month or not.
The estimated annual expenditure for this scheme is projected to be around Rs 242.77 crore. Officials have noted that adjustments to this amount may be made based on fluctuations in cylinder prices, changes in government subsidies, and variations in the number of beneficiaries.
Political Context and Broader Vision
This scheme was a prominent promise made by the BJP during the campaign for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. Chief Minister Gupta expressed her congratulations to the women and families of Delhi, stating, "We made a promise of providing one free LPG cylinder each on Holi and Diwali in our election manifesto. Today, we have passed that scheme and sanctioned Rs 242 crore for it."
She further elaborated on the scheme's objectives, noting that it not only aims to provide financial assistance but also ensures relief during the festive season. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and through the PMUY, the Centre has provided clean fuel, better health, and a respectable life to people. The Delhi government's scheme is an extension of the same visionary thinking," Gupta added.
Future Initiatives and Fulfillment of Promises
In her address, the Chief Minister also mentioned that the BJP government is systematically fulfilling all its poll promises in a phased manner. Additionally, officials discussed another related promise: providing LPG cylinders to women from economically disadvantaged families for Rs 500.
An official explained, "For this initiative, we require updated data of eligible candidates and need to establish clear eligibility criteria. The work on this project is currently underway, and it is expected to be implemented soon."
This comprehensive scheme underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Delhi's residents, particularly during festive times, by ensuring access to clean and affordable cooking fuel.
