Andhra Pradesh Rolls Out Free LPG Scheme for the Poor, Announces Key Policy Changes

The Andhra Pradesh state cabinet, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has approved the launch of the “Deepam” scheme, which will provide three free LPG cylinders annually to poor households starting from Diwali on October 31. State Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar shared the details after the cabinet meeting, explaining that the initiative, part of the "Super Six" promises from the NDA's election manifesto, will impose a ₹2,684 crore burden on the state exchequer.

The minister also noted that bookings for the free LPG supply would begin three days before Diwali, ensuring cylinder deliveries align with the festival. The state government has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum for the scheme. Eligible families will receive ₹894.92, the cost of each cylinder, through direct benefit transfer within 48 hours of delivery. The scheme will be rolled out in three phases: April to July, August to November, and December to March. Grievances related to the scheme will be addressed at village and ward secretariat desks.

In another significant move, State Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra announced the abolition of seignorage charges and GST on sand supply, part of a "free sand supply" policy. Consumers can now book sand online and collect it from riverbeds at no cost. This policy will lead to a ₹264 crore revenue loss for the government, but strict action will be taken against those attempting to sell the free sand for profit.

The cabinet also decided to reinstate the online Government Orders Issue Register (GOIR) to ensure transparency in decision-making. The GOIR, which had been suspended during the previous YSRCP government, will now be restored to upload all government orders.

Further decisions included amending the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987, to add two members from the Brahmin and Nayee Brahmin communities to temple trust boards. The cabinet also scrapped the judicial preview and reverse tendering systems for finalizing infrastructure tenders.

Additionally, the cabinet revoked the allotment of 15 acres of land to Sri Sarada Peetham in Visakhapatnam, initially granted at a heavily discounted rate of ₹1 lakh per acre. The Peetham had requested to use the land for commercial purposes, which violated the conditions set for the establishment of a Vedic university.