The Delhi government is preparing to provide free cooking gas cylinders to women from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) on the occasion of the upcoming Holi festival. According to government sources, the proposal was approved in a Delhi Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Sources stated that women from EWS families who possess a ration card will be provided with one free gas cylinder each on the occasions of Holi and Diwali. Additionally, a scheme to provide a subsidised cylinder for Rs 500 to economically weaker families will also be implemented.
According to government sources, the government may have to bear an additional expenditure of around Rs 300 crore for this scheme. The objective of the scheme is to provide relief to poor and needy women struggling with the burden of inflation.
Part of the BJP's election promise The announcement to provide free gas cylinders to EWS women was a key part of the BJP's election manifesto for the Delhi Assembly elections. The party had promised free cylinders on Holi and Diwali, while also providing gas cylinders for Rs 500 to needy families throughout the year.
Chief Minister's promise - "All announcements will be fulfilled" Notably, while campaigning during the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by-elections last November, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had said that her government would fulfil all promises, including Rs 2,500 monthly assistance to poor women and subsidised gas cylinders.
She said the BJP government has so far fulfilled some of its major election promises. These include implementing the central government's Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in Delhi and launching Atal canteens to provide meals for Rs 5 to the needy.
Government sources say that the process to formally implement the free gas cylinder scheme will be initiated soon, so that its benefits can reach eligible women before Holi.