The Delhi Government, led by Chief minister Rekha Gupta, has approved a new welfare initiative that will provide free LPG gas cylinders (or equivalent cash assistance) to eligible households on the occasions of Holi and diwali beginning in 2026.
🎉 What the Scheme Announces
Under the new welfare scheme, all ration card‑holding families in delhi will receive financial assistance equivalent to the cost of LPG cylinders twice a year — once on Holi and once on Diwali. Instead of physical cylinders being supplied, the cash amount will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The assistance is intended to help households cope with rising cooking fuel costs and provide relief during major festivals, enhancing festive celebrations for economically vulnerable families.
🧾 Who Is Eligible?
Residents of Delhi with a valid ration card issued by the delhi government are eligible.
Eligible families include both those using LPG cylinders and those with piped natural gas (PNG) connections — the assistance applies regardless of the type of cooking fuel used.
The benefit is universal for all ration card holders and does not depend on whether a cylinder is refilled in that month.
It is estimated that approximately 17.5 lakh ration card‑holding families in the national capital will benefit from this scheme.
💰 How Much Assistance Will Be Provided?
The current cost of a household LPG cylinder in delhi is around ₹853. Eligible families will receive this amount per cylinder directly in their bank account on each festival occasion.
For families already covered under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a portion of the subsidy is adjusted (₹300 per cylinder from the central government), so the Delhi government will transfer the remaining ₹553 per cylinder.
📦 Festival Support Timeline
The first benefit for 2026 is expected to be transferred ahead of Holi, with the next instalment provided before Diwali later in the year. Payments will be made into Aadhaar‑linked bank accounts of the head of the family.
📊 Budget and government Commitment
The delhi Cabinet has sanctioned about ₹242 crore for this scheme in its first year of implementation.
The allocation reflects a broader targeted welfare policy aimed at providing relief during festive seasons and enhancing the purchasing power of low‑income citizens without direct subsidy politics.
Why This Scheme Matters
With LPG cylinder prices high and fluctuating, many families face significant household fuel expenses. This festival‑linked support aims to:
Reduce financial burden on economically weaker households
Support festive celebrations by easing essential expenses
Encourage use of clean cooking fuel across all eligible families in Delhi
By issuing the amount directly into bank accounts, the government ensures transparent and accountable distribution.
In Summary
Delhi government will provide free LPG cylinder assistance twice a year — on Holi and Diwali — starting in 2026.
Eligible ration card holders will receive DBT‑based financial aid directly in bank accounts.
The scheme is budgeted at ₹242 crore and expected to cover over 17 lakh households, offering much‑needed relief from rising LPG costs during major festivals.
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