Tamil Nadu to Reimburse LPG Cylinder Costs Annually Starting Next Pongal
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced a new welfare scheme called “Annapoorani Super Six” to help families manage the rising cost of cooking gas.
Under the scheme, eligible homemakers will receive reimbursement for the cost of three domestic LPG cylinders every year. The scheme is expected to begin from the next Pongal festival and is likely to benefit more than 1.3 crore families across Tamil Nadu.
The main purpose of the scheme is to reduce the financial burden on families that depend on LPG cylinders for daily cooking. With fuel prices increasing, many households have been finding it difficult to manage their monthly expenses.
How the Scheme Will Work
Beneficiaries will have to register for the scheme and purchase and use their LPG cylinders through the normal process. After this, the government will obtain the details of eligible beneficiaries from the concerned oil companies.
The government will then calculate the amount eligible for reimbursement. The money will be directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, making the process simple and transparent.
The scheme is expected to help families receive financial support without having to depend on complicated procedures.
Who Can Apply?
The government has said that several groups will be eligible for the benefit. Families with an annual income of ₹2.5 lakh or less can apply. Middle and marginal farmers will also be covered under the scheme.
Families that include persons with disabilities are also eligible to receive the LPG reimbursement, subject to the government’s registration and verification rules.
Reason Behind the Scheme
Chief Minister Vijay said the government introduced the scheme after families faced difficulties due to LPG shortages and rising fuel costs.
According to the government, there was a shortage of LPG cylinders in recent months because of the Gulf war. The shortage made it difficult for some families to get cylinders on time. As a result, some households were forced to use alternative cooking fuels.
The increase in fuel prices has also affected household budgets. Many families are spending more money on essential items, leaving less money available for other needs.
The government believes that providing reimbursement for three LPG cylinders every year will offer some financial relief to families, particularly those with lower incomes.
Election Promise
The Chief Minister also said the scheme is part of the government’s effort to fulfill an election promise made to the people. By providing direct financial assistance, the government aims to support families and reduce the impact of higher cooking fuel costs.
The Annapoorani Super Six scheme is expected to cover more than 13 million families once it is implemented. The government will now work with oil companies to identify eligible beneficiaries and put the registration and payment process in place before the scheme begins during the next Pongal season.