Delhi govt likely to launch free LPG cylinder scheme for EWS this Holi

After coming to power, the government included the scheme in its 100-day priority project.

Sources said that the government will announce and launch the scheme this Holi.

Speaking about the eligibility criteria, a senior government official said, “All ration card holders belonging to the EWS category will be eligible for availing the benefits of the scheme.” There are 17.18 lakh registered ration card holders in Delhi, according to officials.

Officials said that under the scheme, eligible candidates can purchase cylinders and “the government will refund the money directly to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through direct benefit transfer”.

Officials also said that through this method, the government will maintain transparency and ensure that the people buy cylinders from the regular, government-approved LPG distributors.

“Several people sell free cylinders in black. This (scheme) will ensure that only eligible people are availing the scheme,” said officials.

Meanwhile, the government is yet to fulfil its poll promise of providing LPG cylinders at a subsidised rate of Rs 500 to women from poor families. “For this, we need updated data of eligible candidates and set an eligibility criteria. Work is underway. It (scheme) will soon be implemented,” a source said.