Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Deepam – 2’ scheme on Friday, distributing free cooking gas cylinders at Eedupuram village in Srikakulam district. Accompanied by Civil Supplies Minister N Manohar and Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, the chief minister initiated the scheme at the home of a woman beneficiary, PTI reported.
The ‘Deepam – 2’ program aims to provide eligible beneficiaries with three gas cylinders per annum, distributed at the rate of one cylinder every four months. This initiative is part of the “Super Six” poll promises made by Naidu in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
During the launch, Naidu personally lit the gas stove and prepared tea for the beneficiary, taking the opportunity to inquire about the family’s welfare.
The scheme is projected to cost the state exchequer approximately Rs 2,684 crore. Naidu recently handed over funds to gas companies, including Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, and Indian Oil Corporation, at the State Secretariat, ensuring the timely release of subsidies.
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In a recent Cabinet meeting, the government approved an annual expenditure of Rs 2,684 crore to support the scheme. On Wednesday, Naidu presented cheques totaling Rs 894 crore to petroleum company representatives for this month’s subsidy.
Eligible beneficiaries can now book cylinders, as the scheme took effect on Tuesday. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 876, excluding a Central subsidy of Rs 25, credited to their account within 48 hours of booking.
Civil Supplies Minister Manohar, along with several beneficiaries from the Deepam scheme, including Balamma from Tenali, Bhavani from Eluru, and Mangatayaru from Vijayawada, were present at the launch.