Chandrababu Naidu Unveils Free Gas Cylinder Scheme As Diwali Gift, To Be Effective From Nov 1

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the funds will be directly transferred to the companies, including Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Indian Oil Corporation.

The state government has allocated Rs 2,684 crore annually to sustain the initiative with the necessary funds released in phases as required.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is set to launch the "Deepam-2" scheme on November 1 in Srikakulam, aimed at supplying three free cooking gas cylinders annually to eligible women across the state. This initiative is a key promise under the "Super Six" pledges made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its allies before the recent elections.

The announcement came on Wednesday after Naidu handed over a subsidy cheque of Rs 894 crore to petroleum companies, covering the current month's requirements. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the funds will be directly transferred to the companies, including Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Indian Oil Corporation. Booking for the free gas cylinders under the Deepam-2 scheme began on Tuesday, ensuring beneficiaries can start availing themselves of the benefits from November 1.

 

#WATCH | Amaravati: Free gas cylinder scheme, one of the 'Super Six' promises, has been implemented across the state. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu handed over the subsidy amount to representatives of Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Indian Oil… pic.twitter.com/bqypzDKI8z

— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024

Under Deepam-2, each eligible household will receive three gas cylinders every year. The scheme will be executed in four-month intervals to ensure a steady supply. The state government has allocated Rs 2,684 crore annually to sustain the initiative, with the necessary funds released in phases as required. The gas cylinder price of Rs 876, minus the central government subsidy of Rs 25, will be credited to each beneficiary's personal account within 48 hours of booking.

During the announcement, Naidu emphasised that this initiative is the first of the six major promises being implemented by the coalition government. Other promises include Rs 15,000 annually to every school-going child under the "Thalliki Vandhanam" scheme, Rs 1,500 per month to every woman aged 18-59, free bus travel for women, Rs 3,000 monthly unemployment allowance, and financial aid of Rs 20,000 annually to farmers.

Minister for Civil Supplies, Nadendla Manohar, along with beneficiaries of the Deepam scheme, expressed their support for the initiative at the State Secretariat.