Launching the ‘Gram Swaraj Abhiyan’ here on Saturday, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said the number of LPG distribution points in the State will be increased to 1,000 from the existing 707 for quicker and efficient delivery of gas cylinders.
Mr Pradhan promised to create 20 lakh ‘happy homes’ in the State through free LPG gas connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)-- the scheme providing free cooking gas connections to below the poverty line families.
Mostly women, who are denied the right to clean air through household pollution from solid fuels (wood, coal and cowdung), Mr. Pradhan likened the scheme to the ideas of social justice of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and said PMUY will ensure women's empowerment.
The scheme extends to families of SC/ST, beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and those from economically backward classes.
Under it, an eligible woman in the household will be issued a free connection and ₹1,600 cash assistance at installation, and cost of the stove kit will only be deducted in EMIs from the subsidy amount deposited in the account at the start of seventh refill cylinder.
Sharing the success of the scheme, the Minister said that 3.57 crore families benefited so far, and it was being raised to cover 8 crore families by 2020.
He also informed that Ujjawala Panchayats- district-level functions to sensitise beneficiaries would be conducted on April 20, as part of the wider Gram Swaraj Abhiyan campaign from April 14 to May 5 under the name of ‘ Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas.’
Earlier, Mr. Pradhan paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, marking his 127th birth anniversary in the town, and proceeded to the 19th ward here and participated in the 'Sahapankthi bhojan' with the family of BJP Dalit Morcha district president Valdas Upender.
Residents in the 'Dalitwada' were however taken by surprise seeing the food brought from outside the colony, for the event.
A host of State leaders – party State president K. Laxman, former Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, Member of Legislative Council N. Ramchander Rao, and officials from oil companies were present at the well attended meeting.
