In just seven days after launch, the Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG Scheme has touched 1.25 million people, reporting 250,000 household transactions worth Rs 10 crore, a Petroleum Ministry official said.

The ambitious scheme was launched in 18 districts with significant Aadhaar (unique ID) coverage in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducheery, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh from June 1.

Under the scheme, the subsidy on LPG cylinders would be provided directly to consumers through their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. All such domestic LPG consumers get an advance in their bank accounts as soon as they book the first subsidised cylinder before delivery.

All consumers who have not linked their Aadhaar numbers to the LPG consumer number and their bank accounts will have a three-month grace period from the date of launch to do so. During this period, they will continue to get the LPG cylinders at subsidised rates, just as they are getting today, up to the cap of nine cylinders.

After the end of grace period (with effect from July), LPG cylinders will be sold at market price. However, the subsidy will be transferred to only those who have linked Aadhaar number to the LPG consumer number and bank accounts. Others will not get the subsidy.

>richa.mishra@thehindu.co.in