City to become kerosene-free

There is good news for over 3.5 lakh households in Delhi, currently getting subsidised kerosene. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will formally open the ‘Kerosene-Free Delhi Scheme’ by distributing gas cylinders and stoves to 200 people.

The aim is to gradually make the city kerosene-free. Delhi is trying to be the first city in the country to achieve the distinction of being kerosene-free.Towards this goal, it plans to provide gas cylinders to 3,56,395 families, which are now using kerosene.

“All families in Delhi under Below Poverty Line and holding Antyodaya Anna Yojna cards will be given gas cylinders, regulators and gas stoves having two burners and a rubber tube as well. We want to end their dependence on kerosene,” said a government official.

“Earlier, we had planned to give them money to buy these things, but later decided that the government itself should provide them the entire kit,” said the official. Dikshit had announced the scheme in her budget speech this year and had earmarked Rs 2,000 each for the purpose.

The scheme is also expected to end black marketing of subsidised kerosene that the government provides to the poor.