Delhi Government Approves Free LPG Cylinder Scheme for Poor Households Ahead of Holi

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : In a significant step aimed at providing relief to economically weaker sections, the Delhi government has approved a scheme to provide one free LPG cooking gas cylinder to eligible households ahead of the Holi festival. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, with an initial allocation of Rs 300 crore sanctioned for the rollout, officials said.

The initiative marks the first on-ground implementation of a key promise made by the BJP during the Delhi Assembly elections. The party had pledged in its election manifesto to provide free LPG cylinders to poor families during Holi and Diwali, along with an additional subsidised cylinder priced at Rs 500.

Under the new scheme, financially disadvantaged households holding ration cards in the national capital will be eligible. Identified beneficiaries will receive financial assistance equivalent to the cost of one LPG cylinder, enabling them to refill their gas before the festival.

Officials clarified that the scheme will not involve physical delivery of cylinders. Instead, it will be executed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. Funds corresponding to the cost of one LPG cylinder will be directly credited to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible households.

The DBT route has been chosen to ensure transparency and convenience. Beneficiaries can continue to purchase refills from their existing LPG distributors without the need to change connections or suppliers. Authorities have assured that the funds will be credited ahead of Holi, allowing families to access their cylinder in time for the festival celebrations.

The cabinet has set aside Rs 300 crore for this first phase linked to Holi. Future allocations for the scheme will be determined based on the response and further policy considerations.

Officials also noted that the BJP’s other poll promise—to provide an LPG cylinder at a subsidised rate of Rs 500 for eligible households—is still under review and a final decision is yet to be made.

This scheme is expected to provide timely relief to thousands of families across Delhi, helping reduce the financial burden of cooking fuel during festive occasions. By leveraging the DBT system, the government aims to ensure efficient delivery of benefits while avoiding bureaucratic delays and logistical challenges.

With the Holi festival just weeks away, the initiative highlights the Delhi government’s commitment to fulfilling electoral promises and supporting vulnerable communities, combining welfare with modern technology to reach beneficiaries quickly and effectively.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)