The Deepam Scheme, announced by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, will provide free cooking gas cylinders to eligible women starting October 31, just in time for Diwali. Under this scheme, each beneficiary will receive three free LPG cylinders annually. This initiative aims to support women’s welfare and reduce household expenses, allowing families to save the money they would spend on gas and use it for other domestic needs. This scheme is part of the six guarantees made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) during the election campaign. Despite financial challenges, CM highlighted the Government’s commitment to improving the living standards of poor families through welfare programs. The Deepam Scheme is expected to bring significant relief to households by providing access to clean cooking fuel, improving health, and reducing the financial burden on women.
About Free Gas Cylinder Under Deepam Scheme
Under the Deepam scheme, eligible women in Andhra Pradesh will receive three free cooking gas cylinders each year. Advance booking for the cylinders will start on October 24, with the actual supply beginning on October 31. Currently, a domestic gas cylinder costs Rs. 876, but after a Central Government subsidy of Rs. 25, the cost is reduced to Rs. 851. The state government will cover this Rs. 851 per cylinder. The government will spend Rs. 2,684 crore annually to provide the free cylinders, and the total cost over five years is projected to be Rs. 13,423 crore. Beneficiaries will receive one free cylinder every four months, and the subsidy will be directly transferred to their bank accounts within two days of collecting the cylinder. This scheme is part of the government’s broader effort to fulfill its electoral promises, which also include initiatives like reopening Anna Canteens to support lower-income families.
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Purpose of Deepam Scheme
The purpose of the Deepam Scheme is as follows:
- The purpose of the Deepam Scheme is to provide free cooking gas (LPG) cylinders to eligible women.
- The scheme aims to reduce household expenses on cooking fuel.
- The scheme aims to improve health by reducing indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods.
- The purpose of the scheme is to promote the use of clean energy in homes.
- The scheme aims to support the welfare of low-income families, especially women.
- The scheme aims to fulfill the government’s electoral promises to uplift poor households.
Short Summary of Deepam Scheme
| Name of the Scheme | Deepam Scheme 2024 |
| Launched By | Government of Andhra Pradesh |
| Announced By | Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu |
| Beneficiaries | Women from economically disadvantaged households |
| Objective | To improve health by reducing indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods |
| Benefits | Three free cooking gas (LPG) cylinders per year |
| Advance Booking Date | October 24, 2024 |
| Start Date | October 31, 2024 (in time for Diwali) |
| Cylinder Cost | Retail price: Rs. 876; Central Government subsidy: Rs. 25; State covers Rs. 851 per cylinder |
| Annual Budget | Rs. 2,684 Crore |
| Total Cost for 5 Years | Rs. 13,423 crore |
| Distribution Cycle | One free cylinder every four months |
| Subsidy Transfer | Subsidy amount is deposited in beneficiary’s bank accounts within two days of cylinder collection |
| Mode of Application | Online |
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for Deepam Scheme are as follows:
- The applicant should be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh.
- The applicant must be a woman aged 18 years or older.
- The household should not have any other LPG connection from any Oil Marketing Company (OMC).
- Adult women must belong to specific categories, including SC, ST, MBC, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) beneficiaries, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, and others defined as poor under the 14-point declaration.
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Important Dates
Here are the important dates for the Deepam Scheme:
- Advance Booking Start: October 24, 2024.
- Launch of Supply: October 31, 2024.
Benefits of Deepam Scheme
The benefits of the Deepam Scheme are as follows:
- Under this scheme the eligible women will receive three free cooking gas cylinders annually.
- The scheme reduces household expenses by covering the cost of LPG, helping families save money.
- It promotes clean cooking fuel, reducing indoor air pollution and related health issues.
- The scheme encourages the use of cleaner energy over traditional fuels like firewood and kerosene.
- Deepam Scheme supports women’s well-being by easing their domestic workload and improving living conditions.
Required Documents
The required documents for the Deepam Scheme are as follows:
- KYC (Know Your Customer)
- Aadhaar Card
- BPL (Below Poverty Line) Certificate
- Ration Card
- Proof of Residence
- Bank Passbook
- Passport-size Photographs
- Gas Connection Details
Deepam Scheme Apply Online
To apply online for the Deepam Scheme, please follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official AP Meeseva Website.
Step 2: Look for the Deepam Gas connection service in the Civil Supplies section.
Step 3: If you’re a new user, you may need to register. Existing users can log in using their credentials.
Step 4: Complete the online application form with the required details.
Step 5: Upload necessary documents such bank passbook.
Step 6: After filling out the form and attaching the documents, submit your application.
Step 7: You can track the status of your application through the portal.
Download the Deepam Scheme Application Form
To download the Deepam Scheme application form, follow the steps:
Step 1: Click on the Deepam Scheme Application Form.
Step 2: The application form will appear on your screen.
Step 3: Click on the download button on the top right corner of the page.
Step 4: The application form will get downloaded to your device.
Contact Details
- LPG Emergency Helpline: 1906
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-233-3555
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the Deepam Scheme?
Eligible applicants must be women aged 18 years or older, without any existing LPG connections in their household, and belong to specific categories such as SC, ST, MBC, or other identified poor households.
How many free gas cylinders will beneficiaries receive?
Each eligible woman will receive three free cooking gas cylinders per year.
What is the process to apply for the Deepam Scheme online?
Applicants can visit the Meeseva portal, register or log in, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and submit the application online.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include an Aadhaar card, BPL certificate or income certificate, ration card, proof of residence, and bank account details.
When will the supply of free gas cylinders begin?
The supply of free gas cylinders will start on October 31, 2024.
How will the subsidy be transferred to beneficiaries?
The subsidy amount will be directly deposited into the beneficiary’s bank accounts within two days of collecting the cylinder.