The Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) – PAHAL Scheme, implemented since January 2015, ensures transparent and efficient disbursal of LPG subsidies across India. Under the scheme, domestic LPG cylinders are sold at a uniform Retail Selling Price (RSP), and subsidies are directly transferred to consumers’ bank accounts.
The government continues to enhance efficiency and transparency through measures such as Aadhaar-based verification, biometric authentication, and removal of duplicate or ineligible connections. The scheme has been instrumental in identifying and blocking ghost accounts, multiple accounts, and inactive LPG connections, preventing diversion of subsidised LPG for commercial use.
Key initiatives under PAHAL include:
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De-duplication via CLDP: Duplicate connections are removed using Aadhaar, bank details, ration card, and household data.
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Biometric Aadhaar Authentication: Completed for 69% of existing PMUY beneficiaries, ensuring targeted and accurate subsidy transfer.
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Weeding out Ineligible Consumers: About 8.63 lakh PMUY connections have been terminated, and 20,000 inactive connections removed under a new SOP to ensure subsidies reach genuine beneficiaries.
A third-party evaluation by Research and Development Initiative (RDI) found that over 90% of LPG consumers are satisfied with the subsidy mechanism. Recommendations from the study include strengthening subsidy payment infrastructure, grievance redressal systems, safety awareness, and outreach through local languages and mass media.
The government has also improved the grievance redressal system, allowing consumers to lodge complaints via toll-free helpline (1800 2333 555), OMC websites/apps, CPGRAMS, social media, WhatsApp, or directly at distributor offices. Online complaints allow feedback and reopening if not satisfactorily resolved.
This information was provided by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
