Rich accounts for only 3% of over 1 crore people who gave up LPG subsidy

Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has revealed that the rich accounted for only 3% of the over one crore people have gave up their LPG subsidy under the government's 'Give it up' campaign, a report in a leading daily has said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the people at large on March 27, 2015, to give up their LPG subsidy so that it can be issued to those who are in dire need.

The other 97% who voluntarily gave up their LPG subsidy constitutes of the middle class and the lower income groups, he said. 

"Teachers, professionals and middle-level government employees have shown more interest as compared to HNIs (high-net worth individuals)," Pradhan told the daily, while on his way to Ballia.

Pradhan went on to compare the HNIs who refused to part with their subsidy with the rajas and nawabs. He said, they have the same mentality as the rajas and the nawabs who sided with the British, refusing to partake in the freedom struggle, the report says.

Dharmendra Pradhan Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister

High net-worth individuals who haven't given up their LPG subsidy are like the nawabs and rajas who sided with the British and refused to partake in the freedom struggle.

Pradhan said that his ministry would appeal to the people once more, to give up their LPG subsidy.

On Saturday, Pradhan said that giving up the LPG subsidy was only applicable for one year, and that people can claim it again after the 'Give it up' scheme ends. The scheme is only going to be operational for one year. 

In a little over a year since PM Modi appealed to the people of India to give up their LPG subsidy, over one crore people have done so.