Mumbai: In a significant move to support beneficiaries of central and state government schemes, the state government has announced the launch of the "Chief Minister Annapurna Scheme." This new initiative aims to offer three free gas cylinder refills annually to approximately 52.16 lakh beneficiaries under the central government's Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, as well as eligible families under the Chief Minister - 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' Scheme.
To qualify for the scheme, the gas connection must be in the woman's name. Beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana are eligible for this new scheme. Families eligible under the Chief Minister - My Beloved Sister Scheme will also qualify. Only one beneficiary per family, as per the ration card, will be eligible.
The scheme applies exclusively to customers with 14.2 kg gas cylinders. Gas cylinders for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries are distributed regularly by oil companies. Similarly, the three free cylinders under the Chief Minister Annapurna Scheme will also be distributed through these companies.
In addition to the central government’s subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder, the state government will directly deposit Rs 530 per cylinder into the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
Beneficiaries under the Chief Minister - 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' Scheme will receive Rs 830 per cylinder via direct bank transfer. Each customer will be eligible for a subsidy on only one cylinder per month.
Eligibility for the scheme is based on the status as of July 1, 2024. Ration cards issued after this date will not be eligible. For effective implementation and beneficiary selection, district-level committees have been established across the state.
In Mumbai-Thane, the committee will be led by the Controller, Distribution and Director of Civil Supplies, Mumbai, while district collectors will head the committees in their respective districts.
These committees will verify families eligible for the Chief Minister -Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme and ensure there is no duplication of beneficiaries. The committees will finalise the Aadhaar-certified list of beneficiaries, including bank account numbers.
A state-level committee will also be operational to oversee the scheme’s implementation and address any customer grievances. This scheme is expected to provide significant relief to eligible families, ensuring they have access to essential resources without additional financial burden.
