Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced the launch of the ‘Deepam’ scheme, which will provide free cooking gas cylinders to eligible women in the state, starting on October 31 in celebration of Deepavali.
Read More: Andhra Pradesh: Revised liquor prices comes into effect
This was one of the six guarantees announced by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) prior to the elections.
During a meeting at the State Secretariat, Naidu discussed the implementation guidelines for the ‘Deepam’ scheme with Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar, Civil Supplies officials, and representatives from major oil corporations, including Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation.
Read More: Andhra government to extend free Insurance to overseas students
Despite facing financial constraints, Naidu emphasised the government’s commitment to welfare schemes aimed at improving the living conditions of the poor. “The money that women have spent on gas cylinders can be utilised for other domestic purposes,” he stated.
Under the ‘Deepam’ scheme, each eligible woman will receive three free cooking gas cylinders per year. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure advance booking arrangements starting October 24, ahead of the supply launch.
Naidu stressed the importance of transparency in implementing the scheme, urging officials to prevent any complaints from beneficiaries. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to women’s welfare, stating, “Our commitment to the welfare of women in the state remains unwavering.”
Civil Supplies Secretary Veerapandyan provided a detailed presentation, revealing that the current retail price of a domestic gas cylinder is Rs 876, with the Central Government contributing a Rs 25 subsidy. He projected that the total additional burden on the state over the next five years would amount to Rs 13,423 crore, averaging Rs 2,684 crore per annum, due to the free supply of gas cylinders.
The announcement is part of the state government’s broader efforts to fulfil electoral promises, which have already included the reopening of Anna Canteens.
