JOIN US Aiming to make the city pollution free, the government on Tuesday launched its ambitious ‘kerosene free Dilli’ scheme that will provide LPG gas cylinders and gas stoves to over 3.5 lakh poor people who have Antyodaya Anna Yojana, below poverty line and jhuggi ration cards.
It will provide relief to those who find it difficult to procure kerosene oil for cooking.
Chief minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the scheme by handing over gas connection papers and burners to 20 beneficiaries at a function organised at Delhi secretariat. A total of 200 gas connections were distributed on Tuesday.
The CM said all beneficiaries will get their LPG connections and filled-up gas cylinders by December.
Dikshit added that it is an unique effort by the government which will go a long way in overcoming the siphoning of kerosene under public distribution system by some dealers. It will also check the black marketing of kerosene, she added.
“We had been receiving complaints that people were not getting their prescribed quota of kerosene from the dealer. As a result, they had to buy it from the open market
at exorbitant rate,” said Dikshit.
“Cooking on a kerosene stoves was also affecting the eyes and lungs of women. Our kerosene-free scheme will overcome all difficulties and ensure a clean environment for women working in the kitchen,” Dikshit added.
The CM said the total cost of the programme is Rs 108.66 crore, of which Rs 22.75 crore is to be borne by the union government and Rs 85.91 crore by the city government.
Under the scheme, the city government is presenting a filled-up LPG cylinder, regulator, gas stove, suraksha tube and LPG connection papers to the senior most female member of the family, having a BPL card.
Dikshit said the city government will spend Rs 3,049 per beneficiary. The beneficiaries were advised to make rational use of cooking gas and to get their cylinder filled by themselves.
Kerosene oil users having a ration card receive 12.5 litre oil every month at Rs 14.83 per litre. Food and supplies minister Haroon Yusuf told them to contact the nearest office of the food department to procure LPG connections.
Chief secretary P K Tripathi said the city government has meticulously planned the scheme and has ensured an effective implementation through proper coordination with all stake holders.