Context:

  • As of July 1, 2025, the Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) / PAHAL scheme has led to blocking, suspension, or deactivation of 4.08 crore duplicate, fake, or inactive LPG connections.
  • Aim: Prevent misuse/diversion of subsidised LPG, enhance transparency, and ensure targeted subsidy delivery.

KEY SCHEMES INVOLVED

DBTL / PAHAL Scheme:

  • Launched: January 2015.
  • Mechanism: Subsidy for LPG cylinders is transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible consumers.
  • Objective: Eliminate leakages, identify ‘ghost’ beneficiaries, and prevent commercial misuse.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):

  • Targets poor households, especially women, by providing subsidised LPG connections.

ACHIEVEMENTS & STATISTICS

  • 4.08 crore fake/duplicate/inactive LPG connections blocked.
  • 33.05 crore total active LPG consumers.
  • 92.44% Aadhaar seeding in OMC databases.
  • 86.78% DBTL consumers Aadhaar-transfer compliant.
  • 67% PMUY beneficiaries completed biometric Aadhaar authentication.

TECHNOLOGY & POLICY MEASURES

Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP):

  • Facilitates de-duplication of LPG connections.
  • Uses Aadhaar, bank details, AHL TIN, ration card, etc., for authentication.

Aadhaar-Based Verification:

  • Enables real-time, accurate, and cost-effective beneficiary identification.
  • Helps in reducing leakages and improving targeted delivery.

Biometric Authentication:

  • Mandatory for new PMUY connections.
  • Ongoing for existing PMUY and DBTL users to prevent misuse.

CHALLENGES NOTED

  • Failed subsidy transfers due to:
    • Aadhaar deseeding from bank accounts.
    • Inactive Aadhaar.
    • Bank mergers, account closures, or transfers.
  • Ongoing efforts to ensure Aadhaar-transfer compliance for all users.

Way Forward:

  • Strengthen digital infrastructure and grievance redressal.
  • Ensure 100% Aadhaar-bank account seeding.
  • Enhance awareness and digital literacy among rural consumers.
  • Monitor real-time subsidy delivery and transaction failures.