Andhra Pradesh ‘Deepam’ Scheme: Free Gas Cylinders for Women

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Deepam’ scheme providing three free gas cylinders to women.
2. The scheme will start on October 31 and is part of the six guarantees announced by TDP in elections.
3. The state estimates a financial burden of Rs 13,423 crore over five years for this initiative.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has launched the ‘Deepam’ scheme, offering a significant Diwali gift to women. Under this scheme, eligible women in the state will receive three free LPG cylinders annually. The scheme will commence on October 31, marking the fulfilment of one of the six promises made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) during elections.

During a meeting at the State Secretariat, Naidu discussed the implementation guidelines for the scheme. Present at the meeting were Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar, officials from the Civil Supplies Department, and representatives from leading oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum.

Despite financial challenges, Naidu reiterated the government’s dedication to improving the welfare of the poor. He emphasized that “the money women have spent on gas cylinders can now be used for other domestic needs.” He instructed officials to ensure advance bookings from October 24, ahead of the scheme’s official start.

Civil Supplies Secretary Veerapandyan provided detailed insights into the financial implications of the scheme, noting that the current retail price of a domestic gas cylinder is Rs 876, with a Rs 25 subsidy from the Central Government. The total additional burden on the state is projected to be Rs 13,423 crore over five years. This scheme is part of the government’s larger effort to fulfill its electoral promises, which also include reopening Anna Canteens.

Naidu stressed the importance of transparency in the scheme’s execution, urging officials to prevent any complaints from beneficiaries. He reaffirmed that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of women in the state.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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