CM CBN Sanctions Funds for Free Cylinders Scheme:
The Andhra Pradesh government has released funds for the Free Gas Cylinder Scheme, one of the six key promises (Super 6 promises) by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu (CBN). Under this scheme, households will receive three free gas cylinders per year. Chief Minister Chandrababu handed over the subsidy amount to representatives of Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Indian Oil Corporation at the Secretariat in Amaravati. The cabinet has approved a budget allocation of ₹2,684 crore to cover the annual expenses of providing these three cylinders.
For the first free cylinder under the scheme, the Andhra Pradesh government has provided petroleum companies with ₹894 crore. As part of the Deepam-2 scheme, eligible households will receive one free cylinder every four months. The government has planned to release the total amount required for three gas cylinders over three installments. Starting on the 29th of this month, beneficiaries can book gas under this scheme. Additionally, within 48 hours of cylinder delivery, the amount spent by beneficiaries will be credited back into their accounts, covering the cost of each free cylinder.
The Andhra Pradesh government will cover ₹876 for each free gas cylinder, with the central government providing an additional ₹25 subsidy. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, beneficiaries of the Deepam scheme (like Balamma, Bhavani, and Mangathayaru), Civil Supplies officials, and representatives from petroleum companies participated in the event. This initiative is part of the government’s “Super 6” promises.
On November 1, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is set to formally inaugurate the scheme in Srikakulam. Eligibility criteria for the scheme include an existing LPG connection, a white ration card, an Aadhaar card, and a linked bank account. Around 1.55 crore gas connections in Andhra Pradesh are expected to benefit, each receiving three free gas cylinders under the program.
