LPG DBT extended to 269 districts
Enthused by the success of its pilot project in 20 districts, the government on Thursday decided to extend the scheme to pay LPG subsidy directly to cooking gas consumers in 269 districts by January 1, 2014.
Talking to reporters after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) here, finance minister P Chidambaram said, “Based upon the experience gained in 20 districts, we have decided to rapidly rollout the DBT for the LPG over 269 more districts.”
Under the scheme, `435 is credited to the accounts of LPG consumers the moment they book a cooking gas refill or cylinder. The consumer is then supposed to use this to buy a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder at market price, which is almost double of `410 per bottle rate in Delhi. The moment the refill is bought, another `435 is credited to Aadhar-linked bank account of LPG consumer.
The scheme is aimed at checking subsidised LPG cylinders meant for household use finding way on the black market or being used in commercial establishments.
The government estimates it can save `9,000 crore annually when the scheme is rolled out all over the country.
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