In a move aimed at providing financial relief to households, the Telangana government has launched a new initiative under the Mahalakshmi scheme, offering gas cylinders at a subsidized rate of Rs. 500. This initiative was formally announced by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and is part of the state’s commitment to fulfilling its election promises.
Quick Subsidy Transfer
To ensure the benefits reach the consumers swiftly, CM Revanth Reddy has directed officials to expedite the subsidy transfer process. The new directive aims to deposit the subsidy amount into the consumers’ bank accounts within two days. This is a significant improvement from the previous timeframe of four to five days.
Increase in Beneficiaries
Since the scheme’s inception, the number of beneficiaries has grown considerably. Initially, there were 39.50 lakh beneficiaries, but this number has now increased to 44.10 lakh. This increase is attributed to the modifications allowed at public administration centers, making the scheme more accessible to a larger population.
Scheme Implementation Details
The Mahalakshmi scheme is part of a broader set of guarantees given by the Congress government during the 2023 Telangana state assembly elections. Alongside the gas cylinder subsidy, the government has also introduced the Gruha Jyoti scheme, which offers free electricity up to 200 units for eligible households.
Subsidy Mechanics
Under the scheme, beneficiaries are required to pay the full price for the gas cylinder initially. The Central government provides a Rs. 40 subsidy, which is directly credited to the beneficiary’s account. The remaining amount required to bring the effective price down to Rs. 500 is then reimbursed by the State government.
For instance, if the price of a gas cylinder is Rs. 970, the Ujjwala scheme provides a subsidy of Rs. 340. The Mahalakshmi scheme covers the remaining amount, ensuring the customer only pays Rs. 500.
Commitment to Welfare
Despite facing financial challenges, the Telangana government remains committed to implementing its welfare schemes. This initiative not only reduces the financial burden on households but also ensures efficient and quick subsidy transfers, expanding the scheme’s reach to more beneficiaries.
The government’s proactive approach in modifying and expanding the beneficiary list, coupled with the swift subsidy transfer process, underscores its dedication to the welfare of its citizens.
This initiative, along with other welfare schemes, reflects the Telangana government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents, ensuring that essential services are affordable and accessible to all.
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