Free gas cylinders scheme for low-income families in Andhra Pradesh launched

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu officially launched Deepam-2 scheme which ensures three free gas cylinders per year for low-income households. This is part of Andhra Pradesh government's 'Super Six' social welfare guarantees.

In Short

• Deepam-2 scheme provides three free gas cylinders per year to beneficiaries
• Part of Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Super Six’ programmes, scheme costs ₹2,684 crore
• Rs 894 crore cheque given to petroleum companies in scheme’s first phase

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu officially launched the Deepam-2 scheme aimed at providing free gas cylinders to underprivileged households. The scheme, part of his government’s “Super Six” welfare programmes, will cost the state Rs 2,684 crore annually. Deepam-2 is designed to alleviate the burden of cooking fuel expenses for economically weaker sections across the state.

In a formal event at the state secretariat, Chief Minister Naidu presented checks to representatives from the petroleum companies, marking the official beginning of the scheme. An initial sum of Rs 894 crore was handed over to major petroleum companies, including Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, and Indian Oil.

Under the Deepam-2 initiative, each household enrolled in the program will receive three free gas cylinders per year, provided at intervals of four months. Beneficiaries are expected to pay for the gas cylinders upfront, and the state will reimburse them within 48 hours. This reimbursement will include Rs 876, with the remaining Rs 25 covered by the central government as subsidy, effectively making the cylinders free of charge for the beneficiaries.

The scheme began accepting applications from beneficiaries starting on October 29, allowing them to book gas cylinders through the programme. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, along with several beneficiaries from regions including Tenali, Eluru, and Vijayawada, participated in the event, highlighting the scheme’s wide reach and potential impact on communities.

The government anticipates significant demand for the program and has implemented a streamlined process for cylinder booking and reimbursement. Beneficiaries can book gas cylinders under Deepam-2, and once the booking is completed, they will receive a prompt reimbursement, easing financial strain on lower-income households. The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of the Deepam-2 scheme as a part of the government’s larger social welfare agenda, highlighting that the program is not only designed to provide economic relief but also to promote cleaner, more sustainable cooking fuel.