August 29, 2023
Introduction
In a significant move aimed at providing relief to households across the country, the Central Government has announced a reduction of ₹200 in the prices of domestic LPG gas cylinders. The decision was made during the Union cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, which also marked the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and Onam.
Effective from Wednesday, the cost of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder, which was previously priced at ₹1,103 in New Delhi, will now be available at ₹903. Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), beneficiaries will experience a further subsidy increment of ₹200. This means that Ujjwala beneficiaries will now receive a total subsidy of ₹400 per cylinder, resulting in an even more affordable rate.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed that this decision was a gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the women of the country, especially on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and Onam. He highlighted the growth in LPG connections since 2014, indicating that the number of domestic LPG connections had risen from 14.5 crore to an impressive 33 crore, with 9.6 crore distributed under the Ujjwala scheme.
Positive responses
The announcement has garnered positive reactions from various quarters. BJP President JP Nadda praised the Prime Minister’s decision, thanking the Cabinet for reducing the price of cooking gas. He shared his appreciation on social media, stating that Ujjwala beneficiaries would now receive LPG at ₹700, while all other consumers would benefit from a reduced rate of ₹900 per cylinder.
Furthermore, the government has also unveiled plans to provide free gas connections to 75 lakh women under the Ujjwala scheme. This initiative will include providing recipients with a gas burner, their first cooking gas cylinder, and the necessary pipe, all at no cost. This move is expected to increase the total number of Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries to a remarkable 10.35 crore.
Conclusion
The reduction in LPG gas cylinder prices and the extension of subsidies under the Ujjwala scheme are anticipated to bring substantial relief to households across the nation, easing the financial burden on families, especially women. As the government continues its efforts to enhance access to clean cooking fuel, these measures are likely to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of Indians.
