Free LPG cylinder for households on Holi, Diwali in Delhi –Here’s who are eligible

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday that free LPG cylinders will be provided to households with valid ration cards on the festivals of Holi and Diwali.In a meeting chaired by Gupta, the Delhi cabinet decided to transfer Rs 853, the cost of an LPG cylinder, directly to eligible beneficiaries through a direct benefit transfer system.The benefit will also cover those eligible ration card holders using piped natural gas (PNG) connections, she said in a briefing, PTI reported.Eligible beneficiaries will have the amount credited to their bank accounts ahead of Holi.The government has allocated Rs 242 crore for this free gas cylinder scheme, the chief minister addedThe decision was taken at a meeting of the Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. A detailed notification outlining the eligibility criteria, rollout plan and implementation timeline is expected to be issued soon by the government.With this move, the BJP-led administration begins implementing one of its key poll assurances made during the Delhi Assembly elections. During the campaign, the party had committed to offering free cooking gas refills to families on major festivals if voted to power, positioning the scheme as a step to ease the cost of living for middle- and lower-income households.Announcing the approval, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the cabinet has formally cleared the proposal to provide free LPG cylinders to Delhi families on the occasions of Holi and Diwali. She added that the initiative is aimed at ensuring financial comfort for residents during festival periods, when household expenses typically rise.Officials said the scheme is expected to cover a large section of domestic LPG consumers in the national capital. The government is also working on the operational framework in coordination with oil marketing companies to ensure smooth and timely delivery of cylinders ahead of the festive dates.More clarity on beneficiary selection, verification processes and the number of cylinders to be provided per household will be shared once the official statement and guidelines are released. The administration has indicated that the programme will be implemented in a phased and transparent manner.The approval comes amid a broader push by the Delhi government to expand welfare support and fulfil electoral commitments, with the free LPG cylinder initiative set to become one of its flagship festive benefits for city residents.