Hyderabad beneficiaries report delays in LPG subsidy credit
HYDERABAD: The much publicised promise of a ₹500 LPG cylinder in the state capital has turned contentious as several low income households say the benefit is not reaching them despite meeting eligibility norms under the six guarantee schemes.
Many families said they are being forced to buy refills at market price because the subsidy is not being credited. With the Congress government nearing its second anniversary in office, beneficiaries complained that only a section of applicants is receiving the support.
Under the central government’s slab based system, households currently get ₹40.7 as direct benefit transfer. However, only families covered under the Mahalakshmi scheme are entitled to additional support that brings the effective refill cost down to ₹500, with the state transferring the remaining amount after deducting the Centre’s subsidy.
Partial rollout raises concerns
Beneficiaries said that only a small number of households have recently received the state subsidy in their bank accounts, while the majority continue to wait. Officials too reportedly lack clarity on why the credits have stalled for certain families.
There is speculation that the number of cylinders consumed may be a factor. The Centre allows subsidy for 12 cylinders a year, but officials indicated that the state has considered the number of refills used over the past three years and capped eligibility at eight cylinders annually. Even when beneficiaries have not crossed the eight cylinder limit, the state is said to be applying subsidy based on past consumption records.
Large gap between applicants and beneficiaries
Greater Hyderabad has over 40 lakh domestic LPG connections, but the Mahalakshmi scheme appears to cover only six lakh households. Of the 24 lakh families that applied for the ₹500 refill benefit, about 12 lakh were found eligible. Even then, officials acknowledge that less than half are currently receiving the subsidy.
While the Gruha Jyothi scheme has ensured free power for eligible families, the LPG subsidy remains out of reach for many, leading to growing dissatisfaction among beneficiaries.
