CM Chandrababu Naidu Announces Free Gas Refills for Women as Diwali Gift

In celebration of Diwali, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has announced the distribution of three free domestic gas refills to eligible women across the state, beginning on October 31. This initiative, a key election promise of Naidu and the three-party alliance, is expected to cost the state Rs 2,684 crore annually.

Starting October 24, eligible women can begin booking their free gas refills. To streamline the process, officials will deposit the subsidy amount directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries within two days, ensuring efficient delivery. The Chief Minister, in a meeting with civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar and representatives from major oil marketing companies (IOC, BPC, and HPC), reviewed the implementation strategy of the ‘Deepam’ scheme. Under the plan, each woman with an LPG connection will receive the refills at intervals of four months to ensure a steady supply.

Naidu emphasized that the scheme, aimed at enhancing the living standards of poorer households, will be executed transparently, leaving no eligible woman behind. Civil supplies secretary Veerapandian noted during the meeting that each gas refill currently costs Rs 876 in the market, with a central subsidy of Rs 25 per refill. After subsidy, the effective cost would be Rs 851.

This initiative forms part of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government's commitment to fulfilling its 'Super Six' poll promises, with the Deepam scheme being the first step in delivering tangible benefits to the people.