New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that eligible ration card holders in the national capital will receive free LPG cylinders twice a year, on Holi and Diwali. The scheme, approved by the Delhi Cabinet, is part of a broader effort to support economically weaker households with essential fuel subsidies.
The initiative is designed to ease the financial burden of cooking fuel for low-income families, especially during major festivals when household expenses typically rise.
Key highlights
- Benefit frequency: Two free LPG cylinders per year
- Occasions: Holi and Diwali
- Who is affected: Eligible Delhi ration card holders, including PNG users
- Action required: Ensure Aadhaar-bank-LPG/PNG linkage and submit Revenue Department income certificate if flagged
Core facts
Under the new scheme, the Delhi government will provide ₹853—the current cost of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder—directly to eligible beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. The amount will be credited to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, enabling recipients to purchase cylinders from their existing LPG distributors.
The benefit will also apply to piped natural gas (PNG) users, who will receive the same ₹853 amount via DBT, even though they do not purchase physical cylinders. The scheme will be implemented twice annually, coinciding with Holi and Diwali.
The government has allocated ₹242 crore for the rollout, with the first phase beginning this Holi.
Impact and official response
The Delhi government has stated that the scheme targets economically weaker sections and aims to ensure that no household is deprived of clean cooking fuel during key festivals. To prevent misuse, the government has initiated a verification drive.
According to a recent report, around 25,000 ration card holders have been flagged for owning assets such as vehicles or land, which may disqualify them under existing norms. These individuals have been asked to submit income certificates issued by the Revenue Department to confirm their eligibility. The deadline for submission was 31 January, and officials have warned that failure to comply may result in the cancellation of ration cards.
For assistance, flagged beneficiaries can contact the One Nation One Ration Card helpline at 14445, which is operational in Delhi for ration card-related queries and verification support.
Officials have urged all beneficiaries to ensure their Aadhaar details are correctly linked with their bank accounts and LPG or PNG connections to avoid delays in receiving the DBT amount.
Context: Similar schemes in other states
Delhi’s initiative mirrors DBT-based LPG support schemes in other states. Uttar Pradesh has implemented festival-linked LPG subsidies for Ujjwala beneficiaries, while Goa offers two subsidised cylinders annually with partial reimbursement. Delhi’s model stands out for its universal DBT approach and inclusion of PNG users, ensuring broader coverage and flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
Ration card holders classified under economically weaker sections are eligible. Those flagged for asset ownership must submit income certificates issued by the Revenue Department to confirm eligibility.
The Delhi government will transfer ₹853 via DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, allowing purchase from regular LPG distributors. PNG users will receive the same amount as a cash credit.
The scheme will be implemented from Holi 2026 and will recur on Holi and Diwali each year.
Flagged individuals must submit income certificates to the Assistant Commissioner’s office by the notified deadline. Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of ration cards.
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