Delhi govt to gift free LPG cooking gas cylinders; here's how and when to avail it

The Delhi government has approved a welfare initiative to provide economically weaker households in the city with a free LPG cooking gas cylinder on the occasions of Holi and Diwali, sources told TOI.

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, with a budgetary allocation of Rs 300 crore approved for the scheme.

The initiative fulfills a key electoral promise made by the BJP during the Delhi Assembly elections. The party’s manifesto had pledged one free LPG cylinder on Holi and Diwali, along with a Rs 500 subsidized cylinder for economically weaker households.

Who will get the free LPG cylinders?

Officials said the scheme will cover ration card holders from economically weaker sections starting this Holi. The amount for one cylinder will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. This ensures transparency and allows beneficiaries to purchase the cylinder from their regular distributor.

Beneficiaries will receive SMS alerts once funds are credited. Govt will also coordinate with gas cylinder companies to ensure smooth execution of the process.

The decision on LPG cylinders at Rs 500 for the poor section is yet to be taken.