Delhi becomes first state to provide relief to poor on LPG

Delhi on Monday became the first state to provide relief to the poor from Centre's restriction on supply of not more than six subsidised LPG cylinders annually by extending subsidy on three more cylinders.

The decision by Delhi Government will benefit 3.56 lakh poor families in the city and it will put a burden of Rs42 crore annually on the exchequer.

"Our government is committed to safeguard the interests of 'aam aadmi'. That is why we have decided to provide three extra subsidised cylinders to the poor families," Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said after a cabinet meeting.

The Centre last week had decided that each household will get 6 cylinders of 14.2-kg per annum at the subsidised rate of Rs 399 and any requirement beyond that would have to be procured at the market rate of Rs 746 per bottle.

The Delhi Government had launched a scheme last month to make Delhi kerosene free by giving free gas stoves, cylinder and regulator to all families covered under BPL, Antyodaya Anna Yojna and Jhuggi Ration Card and Dikshit said the extra LPG cylinders will be given to all beneficiaries of the ambitious programme.

"All the beneficiaries of the 'Kerosene Free Dilli' scheme will get nine subsidised cylinders instead of six. It is significant step towards providing relief to the poor families by mitigating the effects of inflation as far as cooking gas is concerned," the chief minister said.

Under the scheme, each of over 3.5 lakh BPL and poor families will get a free LPG cylinder, gas stove and accessories like regulator and pipe which will cost the government a Rs3,049.

"The Cabinet decision will benefit more than 3.56 lakh poor families. We will release an amount of Rs42 crore per annum for this purpose," Dikshit said

Asked whether the excess amount of Rs347 per cylinder will be given to oil companies or the beneficiaries, officials said the details are being worked out.