Indian government hikes LPG subsidy to Rs 300 for Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries, 6 months ahead of Lok Sabha polls
The Indian government on Wednesday hiked the subsidy on cooking gas cylinders given under the Ujjwala scheme to Rs 300 per cylinder from the existing Rs 200, just six months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
The decision was taken by the union cabinet, which met earlier in the day.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told mediapersons after the Cabinet meeting that subsidy for Ujjwala beneficiaries has been increased from the existing Rs 200 per cylinder to Rs 300 per cylinder.
This means that Ujjwala beneficiaries now have to pay Rs 603 for a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder, as against the market price of Rs 903. The hiked subsidy of Rs 300 will be directly credited to the bank accounts of Ujjwala beneficiaries.
The move is seen as a bid by the government to woo voters ahead of the assembly elections in five states and the Lok Sabha polls next year.
The Ujjwala scheme was launched in 2016 to provide free LPG connections to poor households, especially those in rural areas. The scheme has benefited over 9 crore households so far.
