1.44 crore consumers added to LPG scheme in just over a month

Over 81 per cent, i.e. 1.44 crore, of LPG consumers in the state have been enrolled under the direct benefit transfer on LPG (DBTL) scheme, PAHAL, in just over a month, PDS officials have said.

“As on 4th March, 2015, 81.8 % active LPG consumers (11.88 crore) in the country have joined the PAHAL scheme which was introduced in 54 districts of the country on 15th November, 2014 and in the rest of the country on 1st January, 2015,” a statement from the petroleum ministry said.

The scheme was introduced in Maharashtra in the Wardha and Amrawati ditricts in the first phase and was subsequently initiated in all the districts on January 1, 2015.

Since then, 81.6 per cent of active LPG consumers (which amounts to 1.44 crore people) have joined the PAHAL scheme, the statement said, adding that in a short period the scheme has achieved a satisfactory level of enrolment.

An amount of Rs. 7,256.34 crore has been transferred since 15th November, 2014 through 20.11 crore transactions. At present, a fixed permanent advance of Rs 568 is also given to every consumer. This has been revised to become variable every month, equal to the actual subsidy due at the time of booking with effect from April 1, 2015 and subject to a maximum of Rs 568.

The scheme’s success is the result of an intensive Information Education Campaign that consists of advertising through various means and directly reaching out to consumers, and several innovative measures such as guardian officers for each district, ministry officials said.