(LiveMint)
Gujarat is set to emerge as the first state to offer subsidized piped natural gas (PNG) to poor households. If successful, the scheme that promotes cleaner cooking fuel in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state will be rolled out nationally, said two senior state government officials aware of the plans.
Gujarat, which has an edge over other states in terms of PNG connections, thanks to its well-developed pipeline infrastructure and easy availability of gas, will launch the new PNG/LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) Sahay Yojana—an extension to the Ujjwala Yojana. Chief minister Vijay Rupani will unveil the new scheme at a function in Bharuch on Tuesday. The scheme is meant for below poverty line households.
“Yes, Gujarat is the first state to launch a PNG scheme for the AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) and BPL (below poverty line) category households in select urban areas in the country… Gujarat is a leader in supply of PNG as domestic fuel. This PNG/LPG Sahay Yojana will be expanded in other parts of the country based on success of pilot planned for 2.32 lakh urban AAY/BPL households with the help of city gas distribution companies and state-owned oil marketing companies during 2018-19,” said one of the two senior government officials quoted earlier.
