AP delivers 25.64 lakh free gas cylinders under Deepam-2

By The Capital

On 15 Nov 2024 18:24:19

AP delivers 25.64 lakh free gas cylinders under Deepam-2

The Deepam-2 scheme, a flagship initiative under the "Super Six" promises of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

The Deepam-2 scheme, a flagship initiative under the "Super Six" promises of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has successfully delivered 25,64,951 free gas cylinders to eligible beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh over the past 15 days. Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Nadendla Manohar disclosed this information in the Legislative Council on Friday, adding that Rs 141 crore 17 lakh 81 thousand has been deposited into beneficiaries’ accounts. Responding to questions raised by MLCs Varudu Kalyani and S Mangamma, minister Manohar addressed concerns about opposition parties allegedly spreading misinformation about the scheme.

He emphasized that the Deepam-2 initiative, launched as a Diwali gift on October 31, 2024, was designed to provide significant relief to families by offering three free LPG cylinders annually. The Minister detailed the state's efforts to integrate gas connection data held by oil marketing companies with the rice card database, ensuring that 1.55 crore gas cardholders in Andhra Pradesh are eligible for the scheme.

To kickstart the initiative, the state government sanctioned Rs 2,684 crore, with Rs 894 crore from the first installment already transferred to petroleum companies. Since the booking window opened 15 days ago, 35,77,566 beneficiaries have booked free gas cylinders. Of these, over 25 lakh deliveries have been completed, with payments credited back to recipients’ accounts within 48 hours of delivery. Urban beneficiaries receive gas cylinders within 24 hours of booking, while those in rural areas are serviced within 48 hours.

The scheme allows families to book their first free cylinder from October 29, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Beneficiaries can avail of up to three free cylinders per year, spaced over specific periods: April to July, August to November, and December to March. To qualify for the Deepam-2 scheme, beneficiaries must possess an LPG connection, a valid rice card, and a linked Aadhaar card. In case of discrepancies in data, citizens can call the toll-free helpline at 1967 to register complaints.