Diwali bonanza: Govt to provide free LPG cylinder to beneficiaries

Bareilly (The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of Diwali, good news has arrived for millions of housewives. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, 4.16 lakh women registered in Bareilly will receive free LPG cylinders this year. This relief is being seen as a step by the government to provide financial support to housewives amid rising kitchen expenses during the festive season.

Government's relief package before the festival

According to the district supply department, a total of 4,16,736 beneficiaries are registered under the Ujjwala scheme in the district, while the total number of LPG consumers is around 10 lakh. Providing a free cylinder under the scheme will cost Rs 894.48, of which Rs 335.40 will be borne by the central government and Rs 559.58 by the state government.

According to officials, the consumption of cylinders increases significantly during major festivals like Diwali due to the variety of dishes and recipes. Therefore, this scheme is being implemented before Diwali to provide relief to poor and middle-class housewives so that they do not have to bear additional expenses.

The benefits of the scheme will directly accrue to Ujjwala consumers. Instructions have been issued to all LPG agencies to ensure timely gas supply and to prevent any negligence in the distribution process. District Supply Officer Manish Singh stated that the main objective of the Ujjwala scheme is to protect women from smoke-related diseases and provide them with clean fuel. He said, "This free cylinder on Diwali will not only provide financial relief to housewives, but will also bring smiles to their faces and further brighten Diwali in every home."