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4 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
EconomySocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Free LPG Cylinders for Ration Card Holders on Holi, Diwali

Cabinet approves free LPG cylinders for ration card holders on Holi and Diwali.

Free LPG Cylinders for Ration Card Holders on Holi, Diwali

Photo by Bo Bo

The cabinet has approved the provision of free LPG cylinders to eligible ration card holders on the occasions of Holi and Diwali. This decision aims to provide relief to economically weaker sections during festivals. The scheme will benefit a large number of families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The government will bear the cost of these cylinders, ensuring access to clean cooking fuel during festive times. The move is expected to reduce reliance on traditional, polluting fuels.

Key Facts

1.

Free LPG cylinders: Holi & Diwali

2.

Beneficiaries: Ration card holders

3.

Scheme covers: National Food Security Act (NFSA) families

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.

2.

GS Paper 3: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; Issues of buffer stocks and food security.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the effectiveness of subsidy schemes.

Visual Insights

Benefits of Free LPG Cylinders Scheme

Key benefits of the scheme providing free LPG cylinders to ration card holders on Holi and Diwali.

Target Beneficiaries
Families under NFSA

The scheme aims to benefit a large number of families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), providing them with clean cooking fuel during festive times.

Frequency of Benefit
Twice a Year

Eligible ration card holders will receive free LPG cylinders on the occasions of Holi and Diwali, providing relief during these festive periods.

More Information

Background

The provision of subsidized or free LPG cylinders is rooted in the broader context of social welfare policies aimed at addressing energy poverty and promoting cleaner cooking fuels. Historically, many households in India relied on traditional fuels like firewood and dung cakes, which contribute to indoor air pollution and health problems. The government has been trying to shift people to cleaner fuels for decades. Over time, various schemes have been introduced to increase LPG penetration, particularly among low-income households. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched in 2016, is a key milestone in this effort. It aimed to provide free LPG connections to women from BPL (Below Poverty Line) families. This scheme significantly expanded access to LPG and reduced reliance on traditional fuels. The current initiative builds upon this foundation by providing additional support during festivals. The legal and constitutional framework supporting such initiatives is based on the Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide the government to promote the welfare of the people. While there isn't a specific article mandating free LPG, Article 47 directs the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides a legal basis for identifying and supporting vulnerable households, making it easier to target beneficiaries for schemes like this.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives have focused on expanding the reach and affordability of LPG. The extension of the PMUY scheme to cover more beneficiaries and the provision of subsidies on LPG cylinders are examples of this. These efforts are aligned with the broader goal of achieving universal access to clean cooking fuels. There are ongoing debates about the effectiveness and sustainability of LPG subsidies. Some argue that subsidies can create a fiscal burden and may not always reach the intended beneficiaries. Others emphasize the importance of subsidies in making LPG affordable for low-income households and reducing their reliance on polluting fuels. Institutions like NITI Aayog have been involved in evaluating and recommending improvements to these schemes. The future outlook involves a continued focus on promoting clean cooking solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The government has set targets for increasing LPG coverage and promoting alternative fuels like biogas. Upcoming milestones include further expansion of the PMUY scheme and the development of infrastructure to support the distribution of LPG in remote areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main objective of providing free LPG cylinders to ration card holders?

The main objective is to provide relief to economically weaker sections during festivals by ensuring access to clean cooking fuel and reducing reliance on traditional, polluting fuels.

2. Which scheme is related to the provision of free LPG cylinders?

The scheme is related to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), as the beneficiaries are families covered under this act.

3. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this scheme?

The scheme aims to reduce reliance on polluting fuels and improve health. However, its success depends on efficient implementation and sustainable funding. A potential drawback could be the financial burden on the government.

4. Why is the provision of free LPG cylinders particularly relevant during Holi and Diwali?

Providing free LPG cylinders during Holi and Diwali aims to ease the financial burden on economically weaker sections during these festive times, ensuring they have access to clean cooking fuel when it's most needed.

5. How does this initiative align with broader government goals related to clean energy?

This initiative aligns with the government's goal of achieving universal access to clean cooking fuels, reducing indoor air pollution, and improving public health.

6. What are the key facts to remember about this scheme for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include: Free LPG cylinders will be provided on Holi and Diwali to ration card holders covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The government will bear the cost.

7. What recent developments have led to this decision regarding free LPG cylinders?

Recent government initiatives have focused on expanding the reach and affordability of LPG, including extending the PMUY scheme and providing subsidies on LPG cylinders. This decision is a continuation of those efforts.

8. How might the provision of free LPG cylinders impact common citizens?

It can reduce their financial burden during festivals and provide access to cleaner cooking fuel, improving their health and quality of life. It also reduces the time spent collecting traditional fuels.

9. What is the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and why is it relevant to this scheme?

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides subsidized food grains to a large section of the population. This scheme leverages the NFSA beneficiary list to identify eligible recipients for free LPG cylinders.

10. What is the significance of LPG cylinders in the context of energy poverty?

LPG cylinders provide a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional cooking fuels, addressing energy poverty by reducing indoor air pollution and improving health outcomes, especially for women and children.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. The recent decision to provide free LPG cylinders to ration card holders on Holi and Diwali is primarily aimed at achieving which of the following?

  • A.Reducing the fiscal deficit of the Union Government
  • B.Promoting financial inclusion among rural households
  • C.Providing relief to economically weaker sections during festivals
  • D.Enhancing the market share of public sector oil companies
Show Answer

Answer: C

The primary aim of providing free LPG cylinders is to provide relief to economically weaker sections during festivals. This initiative helps reduce their financial burden during these times and ensures access to clean cooking fuel. While the other options might be indirectly affected, they are not the primary objective. The news explicitly states the aim is to provide relief during festivals.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): 1. It aims to provide free LPG connections to all women in India. 2. It primarily targets women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. 3. The scheme is funded entirely by the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: PMUY does not aim to provide free LPG connections to ALL women, but specifically targets those from BPL families. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The scheme primarily targets women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The scheme is funded by the Union Government, not State Governments.

3. Which of the following articles of the Constitution of India can be used to justify government initiatives like providing free LPG cylinders to vulnerable sections of society?

  • A.Article 14 (Equality before law)
  • B.Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty)
  • C.Article 47 (Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living)
  • D.Article 300A (Right to property)
Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 47 of the Constitution directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people. Providing free LPG cylinders can be seen as a step towards improving the standard of living and reducing health hazards associated with traditional cooking fuels. While other articles are important, Article 47 directly relates to the welfare and living standards of citizens.

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