CM to launch Deepam scheme in Srikakulam on Nov 1

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu would launch the Deepam scheme offering three gas refills per annum to white ration card holders at an event in Srikakulam on November 1.

Naidu, at the state secretariat on Wednesday, handed over the subsidy amounts to representatives of the gas companies namely Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and Indian Oil Corporation.

The free gas bookings have started from Tuesday, Oct 29. More than four lakh bookings were made till now.

Naidu said the state government would supply the free gas to all the eligible women as was promised during the elections. The state cabinet recently gave its consent for the total expenditure of ₹ 2,684 crore per annum for the free gas supply scheme.

The chief minister handed over cheques for ₹ 894 crore to the gas firms as the current month's subsidy.

The free gas scheme came into force on Tuesday. A sum of ₹ 876, excluding the central subsidy of ₹ 25, is given by the state for each cylinder. This amount would be credited to the personal account of all the beneficiaries in 48 hours.

Civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar said free gas bookings have started from 10am on Tuesday and more than 4 lakh bookings were made. Oil companies have stated that they would handle 2.5 lakh bookings per day. On November 1, free gas will be distributed to the beneficiaries in Ichapuram of Srikakulam district at the hands of the CM.

From the next instalment, the government will put funds in advance into the accounts of the beneficiaries. Despite the financial difficulties, the government decided to implement the scheme.

Beneficiaries of the Deepam scheme from Tenali, Balamma, Bhavani from Eluru, Mangatayaru from Vijayawada and others were present.