In a landmark decision to support families in need, the Andhra Pradesh government has introduced the “Deepam” scheme, aimed at providing free gas cylinders to eligible beneficiaries. Minister Nadendla Manohar announced that the scheme will officially launch on Diwali, bringing significant relief to families struggling with rising fuel prices. Under this initiative, families with a ration card and an LPG connection will receive one free gas cylinder every four months, helping to ease their financial burden.
The Deepam scheme is part of the state government’s broader “Super Six” initiative, which targets the welfare of women and low-income families. With the scheme set to begin on October 31, the state expects to incur an annual expenditure of ₹2,684 crore, a cost the government is willing to bear to improve living conditions for the state’s underprivileged.
Key Details of the Deepam Scheme:
- Eligibility:
The scheme will benefit families with both a ration card and an LPG connection. Bookings for the scheme will open on either October 27 or 28. Once enrolled, eligible households can expect to receive a free gas cylinder every four months. - Distribution Schedule:
Minister Manohar explained the distribution timeline for the scheme, which has been divided into three slots:- First Cylinder: Between April and July
- Second Cylinder: Between August and November
- Third Cylinder: Between December and March 31
- Subsidy Mechanism:
To streamline the process, the state government has implemented a direct benefit transfer (DBT) system. The subsidy amount for the gas cylinder will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries within 48 hours of booking. This ensures that the beneficiaries do not face delays or complications in accessing the benefits.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions:
Apart from approving the Deepam scheme, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, also took several other significant decisions. The Cabinet approved:
- The cancellation of land allocations made by the previous government to Sarada Peetha.
- The scrapping of Senerage on sand and GST policies, which had raised concerns among the public.
These decisions are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparent governance and improve the welfare of the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Impact of the Deepam Scheme:
The introduction of the Deepam scheme marks a significant step in the Andhra Pradesh government’s welfare initiatives. By providing free gas cylinders, the scheme is expected to alleviate the financial pressure on families, particularly those dependent on cooking gas for their daily needs. Minister Manohar emphasized the importance of supporting women and marginalized communities, stating that this scheme will uplift millions across the state.
With the rising cost of essential commodities, the Deepam scheme is likely to bring much-needed relief, allowing families to redirect their savings towards other necessities. Moreover, the focus on efficient implementation, with subsidies directly deposited into bank accounts, showcases the government’s commitment to reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring quick, hassle-free access to benefits.
As Andhra Pradesh moves forward with this initiative, the Deepam scheme will shine a light on the importance of welfare programs that directly impact the daily lives of citizens. With an estimated 2.6 crore beneficiaries, this initiative is set to transform the household economy of many in the state.
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