Centre plans LPG expansion with 30.000 crore boost
The government is eyeing close to Rs 30,000-crore investment for expansion of LPG production and distribution network in next three years as it widens cooking gas coverage by giving out a record number of connections. A record 3.45 crore LPG connections were given during the fiscal ended March 31, 2017, including 2.2 crore free connections to poor women, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters here.
Dharmendra Pradhan further pointed out that even though his ministry plans to increase the target of free LPG connections, a decision will be taken after a discussion with the finance ministry. He said the LPG demand in the country has registered a growth rate of more than 10 per cent.
More than 4,600 new distributors have been added in the last three years which have come up primarily in rural areas.
About 38 per cent of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) are from SC/ST category. He added that PMUY has been implemented in a participatory mode involving beneficiaries, elected representatives, distinguished personalities and local administration, among others.
A differential communication strategy to popularise the scheme, as well as educating beneficiaries on safety norms through regional languages, was carried out.
Growth story
A record 3.45 crore LPG connections were given during …read more
