Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The government’s decision to reduce the number of subsidised LPG refills under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has raised questions among many households. The move, however, is not about reducing support to poor families, but about plugging gaps in the system that officials say were being misused.
SUBSIDY REDUCED FROM NINE TO FOUR CYLINDERS
Under the revised rule, Ujjwala beneficiaries will now get subsidy support for up to four LPG refills in a year, instead of nine earlier. The change has been made with immediate effect, according to government sources.
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Officials say the decision is based on actual usage data, which shows that most Ujjwala households already use around four cylinders a year on average.
GOVERNMENT FLAGS MISUSE OF SCHEME
The main reason behind the change is the suspected diversion of subsidised LPG cylinders. Government sources have said that some individuals were allegedly taking advantage of the scheme by claiming multiple subsidised refills in the names of beneficiaries, reported CNN-News18.
These cylinders were then believed to be used for commercial purposes or sold outside the intended domestic use. This, officials say, led to leakage in the subsidy system and increased financial burden on the government.
Authorities believe that restricting subsidised refills will help stop misuse and ensure that government support reaches genuine users. The idea is to tighten the system without affecting genuine consumption needs.
Officials have stressed that the change is aimed at improving efficiency rather than cutting support for poor families.
NO LIMIT ON ACTUAL LPG PURCHASE
Importantly, the government has clarified that there is no restriction on how many LPG cylinders a beneficiary can buy in a year. Households can continue to purchase additional cylinders as needed.
The only change is that subsidy support will now be limited to the first four refills, after which consumers will have to pay the full price.
Meanwhile, government data shows that most Ujjwala beneficiaries use around four cylinders annually. On this basis, officials argue that the revised cap will not significantly impact regular users.
They say the adjustment brings the scheme closer to real consumption patterns while helping reduce wastage and misuse.
AIM TO STRENGTHEN WELFARE DELIVERY
The government maintains that the move is part of a wider effort to make welfare schemes more efficient and targeted. By reducing leakage and stopping diversion, officials believe the subsidy system will become more transparent and sustainable in the long run.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that LPG support continues to reach those who genuinely need it, without being misused along the way.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
