LPG to be Linked?
LPG consumers will get gas cylinders on market price with the starting of this year. Cash subsidy will be transferred to their bank account directly with each booking. This scheme known as “PAHAL” is deemed to start completely from January 1, 2015. This step is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas.
Through Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme, Rs. 568 will be transferred directly to the bank account of respective consumer. This way they will be able to get 14.2 kg gas refill at market price. This step is taken in order to ensure that subsidy reaches the consumers directly without any diversion. Agencies used to sell these gas cylinders in black depriving the rights of consumers. This decision inculcates fair practice in this business.
LPG and Aadhar Linking essential
This plan was initiated by UPA government in 2013, but it has stopped earlier this year due to court orders. But now, this criterion has been modified excluding the definite requirement of Aadhaar card to avail subsidy. Consumers can join this scheme using Aadhaar card or bank account number. They can link their unique identification number with bank account and LPG number or their bank account can be directly linked with the LPG id. Consumers will receive subsidy to purchase twelve 14.2 kg refills.
More than 6.5 crore people have already joined this scheme. Various camps are being organized by LPG distributors and banks to ease the enrollment of the customers in this scheme. This scheme was launched on November 15, 2014 across the 54 districts and Rs. 624 crore has been transferred into the bank account of 20 lakh customers till now. Government looks optimistic as they have claimed that they will be saving around Rs. 10,000 crore in subsidy by avoiding malpractices and discrepancies in it. This scheme is appreciated all across the country and people are hoping to get some real benefit out of it.
