Modified LPG subsidy scheme is all set to be launched in 54 districts from November 15 and will be rolled all over the country from January 1. This is after Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed preparedness for the launch of the Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL) scheme in four of the 54 districts. The review with district authorities was conducted by Oil Minister in presence of officials from oil marketing companies and nationalized banks since the Minister laid emphasis on coordination among all the units for effective implementation of the scheme and smooth and flawless receipt of LPG subsidy by consumers in their bank accounts.
Further, Pradhan also discussed the issues pertaining to difficulties in the earlier scheme. Under the scheme, LPG consumers will get cash subsidy in their bank accounts so they can buy a cooking gas cylinder at market price.
LPG subsidy transfer has been a bumpy ride till now. To begin with, when the government launched the scheme making it compulsory for everyone to link their Aadhaar card to bank accounts to get the LPG subsidy refunded, many did not have an Aadhaar card, which in turn triggered a mad rush for application of Aadhaar card. However, those which had one, complained linking Aadhaar to their bank account was taking time and also there those middle class customers, which refused to take LPG cylinders as they were paying around Rs.1,200 with-out an assurance of receiving the subsidy. While in remote districts, people suffered as they had to travel long distances to withdraw the subsidy amount in absence of enough banks in particular areas.