Jammu/Srinagar, September 24: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma made a significant welfare announcement in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday, stating that families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) will receive the benefit of six free LPG cylinders every year.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Assembly session and is aimed at providing financial relief to economically vulnerable households covered under the AAY category.
Minister Satish Sharma informed the House that the proposal has received approval from the competent authority and that the government will issue the necessary orders for implementation.
Satish Sharma Announces Six LPG Cylinders for AAY Families
Under the measure announced by Minister Satish Sharma, eligible AAY households in Jammu and Kashmir will be entitled to assistance equivalent to the cost of six LPG refills annually.
The initiative is expected to reduce the recurring financial burden of cooking fuel for families falling within the AAY category.
However, details concerning the exact process for availing the benefit, beneficiary verification and the date from which the scheme will become operational are expected to be clarified through formal government orders.
Aadhaar-Linked DBT Expected for the Benefit
The government has indicated that the assistance is expected to be delivered through an Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Under the proposed arrangement, eligible beneficiaries would receive the financial assistance through their linked bank accounts. The final implementation procedure will be determined once the administration issues detailed guidelines.
Minister Satish Sharma had earlier informed the Assembly about the number of families covered under the AAY category in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the information presented before the House, 8,79,112 beneficiaries were covered under AAY as of January 1, 2025.
Government to Issue Detailed Guidelines
While Minister Satish Sharma’s announcement has provided clarity on the broad scope of the scheme, several implementation-related questions remain.
The government will need to specify the procedure for beneficiary verification, how LPG refills will be accounted for, the payment process and the effective date of the benefit.
These details are expected to be incorporated in the formal orders to be issued by the administration.
Announcement Made During J&K Assembly Session
The announcement by Satish Sharma came during discussions on public welfare measures in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session.
The issue also generated exchanges between treasury and opposition members, with questions being raised about the scope and implementation of the proposed LPG assistance.
The government has maintained that the benefit is intended for families falling under the AAY category.
For eligible households, the proposed six-cylinder assistance could offer relief from a recurring household expense once the scheme is formally implemented.
Key Points
- Announced by: Minister Satish Sharma
- Benefit: Six LPG cylinders annually
- Eligible beneficiaries: AAY families in Jammu and Kashmir
- Expected payment mechanism: Aadhaar-linked DBT
- AAY beneficiaries: 8,79,112 as of January 1, 2025
- Next step: Government orders and detailed implementation guidelines
Minister Satish Sharma’s announcement marks a significant welfare development during the ongoing J&K Assembly session. The government is expected to provide further clarity on the rollout and operational mechanism once the formal implementation orders are issued.
Report by Aqibaftab
