Pradhan: 6.28 cr Ujjwala beneficiaries received free LPG cylinders during lockdown

• Pradhan also said that more than Rs 8,432 crore has been transferred in advance through DBT into the accounts of beneficiaries

• The minister said that the Ujjawala Yojana has just completed four years and has led to a momentous improvement in the lives of over 8 crore poor

New Delhi: A total of 6.28 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries across the country have received free cylinders under PMGKY (Pradhan Mantri Garib KalyanYojana) during the COVID-19 lockdown, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday. During an interaction with over 1,500 Ujjwala beneficiaries, gas distributors and OMC (Oil Marketing Company) officers across the country, through a webinar, Pradhan also said that more than Rs 8,432 crore has been transferred in advance through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) into the accounts of beneficiaries over the course of the lockdown.

The minister said that the Ujjawala Yojana has just completed four years of its successful journey and has led to a momentous improvement in the lives of over 8 crore poor and deprived families. While commenting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all the nations of the world, he said that while India has been fighting the pandemic through various means, it has taken due care to keep the interests of poor and downtrodden in sight. A slew of relief and support measures have been announced. The minister said that in the initial days of the crisis itself, the Modi government had announced PMGKY, and one of the important components under the scheme was providing free gas cylinders for three months to Ujjwala beneficiaries. 

Pradhan lauds role of OMCs in delivering LPG to Ujjwala beneficiaries

The minister appreciated the role of OMC officials who he said rose to the occasion in maintaining the production, import and distribution of LPG cylinders to Ujjwala beneficiaries and other customers during the crisis which enhanced demand. He said that compared with many other countries, India is in a better position in its fight against COVID-19. 

He said that time has now come to revive the economic activities and employment in the country. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for coming out with Rs 20 Lakh Crore package for supporting the Indian economy in its fight against the COVID-19. He said that all the sectors of the economy and segments of the society are being provided relief under the package. He also welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement to launch Aatmanirbhar Abhiyan in the country, which will spur domestic manufacturing in the country, and make us self-reliant.