The Delhi government has brought welcome relief for economically weaker families ahead of major festivals. In a significant welfare move, the state administration has announced that eligible households will receive free LPG gas cylinders during Holi and Diwali every year. The initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden of cooking fuel during festive seasons, when household expenses usually rise.
This decision is expected to benefit lakhs of families across the national capital, especially those struggling with increasing LPG prices and daily living costs.
Cabinet Clears Major Welfare Proposal
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently approved the proposal in a cabinet meeting, marking one of the most impactful social welfare decisions of the current government. Under the scheme, each eligible family will receive the benefit of one free LPG cylinder twice a year—once during Holi and once during Diwali.
To ensure smooth implementation, the Delhi government has allocated a budget of nearly ₹300 crore. Officials have stated that the funds will be used exclusively to provide direct financial assistance for purchasing LPG cylinders.
Election Promise Turned Into Reality
The scheme fulfills a key election commitment made by the BJP to support low-income families during festivals. As the government completes its first year in office, it has chosen Holi as the launch period for this benefit, signaling its intent to prioritize welfare-driven governance.
For thousands of families, this initiative means festive meals can be prepared without worrying about the high cost of cooking gas.
Eligibility Criteria Explained
The free LPG cylinder scheme is specifically designed for economically weaker sections residing in Delhi. Families holding valid ration cards under the Public Distribution System (PDS) are eligible to receive the benefit.
According to government estimates, nearly 17.18 lakh ration card holders will be covered in the first phase. Beneficiary identification has already been completed using the existing ration card database, ensuring that only genuine and deserving families receive the benefit.
No Application or Extra Documents Required
One of the most notable aspects of this scheme is its simplicity. Eligible families do not need to submit any fresh applications or paperwork. As long as their ration card details are correctly registered and verified, they will automatically receive the benefit.
This approach reduces administrative hurdles and ensures faster delivery of assistance to households that need it the most.
Direct Benefit Transfer for Transparency
Instead of distributing physical cylinders, the Delhi government has opted for the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. During Holi and Diwali, an amount of approximately ₹850, equivalent to the cost of one LPG cylinder, will be transferred directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Families can then purchase LPG cylinders from their nearest authorized gas agency. This method minimizes corruption, eliminates middlemen, and promotes transparency—an approach already successfully implemented in states like Uttar Pradesh.
What Lies Ahead
The first installment of the benefit is expected to be credited around Holi. With this initiative, the Delhi government aims to ensure that festive celebrations are not overshadowed by kitchen expenses.
By combining financial assistance with a transparent delivery system, the free LPG cylinder scheme is poised to offer meaningful relief and make festivals more joyful for thousands of households across Delhi.
