No Aadhaar for your LPG

Looks like LPG users can now take a breather; there is no need to roam around gas dealers, banks and Aadhaar card offices. There is also no necessity to wait for LPG subsidy amount to be credited into your linked bank account. The Supreme Court on Monday passed a ruling, “Don’t deny benefits to those who are yet to get Aadhaar cards.” This ruling comes as blessing to 12.14 lakh LPG users in the city. From September 1, Aadhaar and bank accounts linked LPG subsidy transfer was in place in the city. As on Monday, 68% had linked their Aadhaar cards with agencies and only 45% of users had got their bank account linked. Nearly 7 lakh LPG users are still to link their accounts. With the Supreme Court’s ruling in place, all eyes are on the decision that would be taken by government and oil companies.

Current rules for LPG say that a user can have only 9 cylinders on subsidy per year. LPG cylinder costs Rs 1030 in the market. Government is paying a subsidy of Rs 464 as subsidy. Only 45% (6,25,666) of 12.14 lakh LPG users are entitled to subsidy. The current rules are:

• As soon as you book your first LPG cylinder, you will receive an amount equivalent to the subsidy in your bank account. This will be the advance subsidy that you use for buying the cylinder with non-subsidised price.

• As soon as you get the first delivery of the cylinder, an amount equivalent to the subsidy will again be deposited to your account. This will be your subsidy for the next cylinder you book.

• This will continue for nine cylinders in a year. After nine cylinders, you will be eligible for the subsidy only in the next year.

Analysts believe that government might revert to the earlier route, where in the subsidy amount on the LPG gas cylinder is credited to the oil companies. Speaking to Hyderabad Hans, Civil Supplies Commissioner Sunil Sharma said that they are waiting for the copy of the Supreme Court orders, which are expected to reach on and basing on that we will plan the next course of action.