Govt Enhances LPG Benefit Delivery with Biometric Aadhaar Authentication for PMUY and PAHAL Beneficiaries

Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the government provides deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households.

In a recent development aimed at improving the efficiency of benefit distribution, the government has mandated biometric Aadhaar authentication for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and the PAHAL scheme. This measure, which was directed to public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in October 2023, is designed to ensure that the subsidies and benefits reach eligible recipients in a timely and accurate manner.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the government provides deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households. Beneficiaries receive a targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder, with pro-rated subsidies for smaller cylinders, for up to 12 refills. Additionally, various state governments offer further subsidies or subsidized refills to PMUY beneficiaries.

As of July 1, 2024, over 30.19 crore LPG consumers are enrolled in the PAHAL scheme, which provides subsidies directly into the bank accounts of the consumers. This subsidy is either transferred through Aadhaar Transfer Compliant (ATC) or Bank Transfer Compliant (BTC) modes. To ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of this transfer, the government has emphasized the need for biometric Aadhaar authentication.

Consumers can complete their biometric Aadhaar authentication through several convenient methods. They can use mobile applications provided by their OMCs, which allow them to authenticate using their smartphones at their convenience. Alternatively, authentication can be done at the time of cylinder delivery or by visiting the LPG distributor's showroom.

The government has also conducted significant authentication drives, with over 35 lakh PMUY beneficiaries successfully authenticated during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra camps. Ongoing authentication activities are being conducted at customers' doorsteps as part of LPG Safety Inspections and Camps.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi, assured that no service or benefit has been suspended for those who have not yet completed their biometric authentication. The flexible authentication options are intended to accommodate various consumer needs and ensure that benefits are delivered effectively.