Delhi Govt Greenlights Free LPG Cylinder for Poor Ahead of Holi

The Delhi government has approved a significant welfare measure, providing one free LPG cooking gas cylinder to economically weaker households just before Holi. The decision, cleared in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, comes with an initial allocation of Rs 300 crore and fulfills a key poll promise made by the BJP during the Delhi Assembly elections.

As per the party’s manifesto, poor families were assured free LPG cylinders on both Holi and Diwali, alongside an additional subsidised refill at Rs 500. This scheme marks the first tangible implementation of that commitment, with the Holi-phase rollout set to begin soon. Beneficiaries will be identified from economically weaker sections among ration card holders in the national capital.

Importantly, no physical cylinder will be delivered to homes. Instead, the government has opted for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), crediting the equivalent cost of one standard LPG cylinder directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible families. This method aims to promote transparency, prevent leakages, and give recipients the flexibility to purchase refills from their preferred LPG distributor without disrupting existing connections.

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The Rs 300 crore budget will cover the initial Holi distribution phase. Officials indicated that the funds will enable timely transfers so beneficiaries can use the assistance during the festival. Future phases, including potential Diwali coverage, will depend on the scheme’s execution and additional budgetary decisions.

While the free cylinder initiative moves forward, the related promise of subsidised cylinders at Rs 500 remains under consideration, with no final decision announced yet. The move is expected to provide much-needed relief to thousands of low-income households amid rising fuel costs.

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