Over 3.5 lakh families to get LPG connections

The Delhi Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to provide LPG connections to around 3.57 lakh families that use kerosene oil, which will make Delhi the first kerosene free city of the country.  

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and the programme will be formally launched on August 15, 2012.

“As per the announcement in the Budget 2012-13, the city government would provide one time relief to the kerosene oil users in the Below Poverty Line( BPL), Antyodya Anna Yojna (AAY), JRC(Jhuggi relocation colonies) and card holder families for purchasing LPG connection and gas stove,” Sheila Dikshit told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

According to government data, there are 3,56,395 families who have been using kerosene as fuel for cooking.  Out of this, 93,075 are AAY card holders, 2,32,019 are BPL card holders and the rest are 31,301 JRC card holders.  

All such families are presently getting 12.5 litres of kerosene oil every month Rs 14.83 per littre. 

The total kerosene oil distributed every month by the Department of Food and Supplies in around 4,400 kilo litres.

“The shift from kerosene oil to LPG will eliminate ongoing black marketing while diverting kerosene oil for other purposes.  Further, it will provide relief to the housewives as they will not have to face the menace of smoke and pumping of stoves in their kitchens,” Dikshit said.

According to plans the city government will provide security money for LPG cylinder and regulator, gas stove with two burners of ISI mark and rubber tube. 

“The Government will have to bear an amount of Rs 85.54 crore on complete switchover.

The Department of Food and Supplies has been asked to set up a separate cell to oversee the process of shift from kerosene oil to Liquified Petroleum Gas,” a Delhi government official said.