The Andhra Pradesh government is set to provide major relief to deserving families with the introduction of the “Deepam” scheme, starting from Diwali this year. As part of the scheme, eligible families with both a ration card and an LPG connection will receive a free gas cylinder every four months. This initiative is aimed at improving access to essential cooking fuel for underprivileged households across the state.
Minister Nadendla Manohar announced that the scheme will officially roll out on October 31. The program was a key topic of discussion at the recent AP Cabinet meeting, where several important decisions were made. Among them, the cabinet approved the cancellation of land allocations made by the previous government to Sarada Peetha, along with the removal of Senerage on sand and certain GST provisions.
Under the Deepam scheme, women beneficiaries will be the primary recipients of the free gas cylinders. Minister Manohar noted that bookings for the Deepam scheme will begin on either the 27th or 28th of this month. The program will cover three cylinders per year for each eligible family, with the following distribution schedule:
First cylinder: Between April and July
Second cylinder: Between August and November
Third cylinder: Between December and March 31
The state government will bear the financial burden of the scheme, which is estimated to cost around Rs. 2,684 crores annually. To streamline the process, the subsidy amount for the free cylinders will be deposited into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts within 48 hours of booking.
This move is expected to provide substantial relief to thousands of households across Andhra Pradesh, as it directly addresses the rising cost of cooking fuel. By ensuring that the scheme operates smoothly, the government hopes to ease the financial strain on families and ensure better access to essential utilities.
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