New Delhi: Delhi govt approved a welfare initiative to provide a free LPG cooking gas cylinder to economically weaker households in the city on the occasion of Holi and Diwali, sources said. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, with a budgetary allocation of Rs 300 crore cleared for the scheme. The move fulfils a key electoral promise made by BJP during the Delhi Assembly elections. Its manifesto pledged one free cylinder on these festivals, plus a Rs 500 subsidised one for poor households.Officials said the scheme will be extended to ration card holders belonging to economically weaker sections, starting this Holi. The amount for one cylinder will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism. This ensures transparency and allows beneficiaries to purchase the cylinder from their usual distributor. Beneficiaries will receive SMS alerts once funds are credited. Govt will also coordinate with gas cylinder companies to ensure smooth execution of the process. Officials said the scheme is aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income families amid rising household expenses and fuel costs. Govt believes the initiative will bring immediate relief to lakhs of families while reinforcing its commitment to welfare-oriented governance, they added.The decision on LPG cylinders at Rs 500 for the poor section is yet to be taken.
