Withdrawn after pressure from opposition and consumers during the UPA-II regime, the Direct Bank Transfer of LPG (DBTL) subsidy scheme is back with some modifications. Now, the new scheme promises more transparency, enhancement of subsidy advance and better redressal mechanisms. The modified scheme would be launched initially in the six towns of Punjab and ten of Himachal Pradesh. The scheme was launched on 1st June, 2013 which covered 291 districts. It required the consumers to mandatorily have an Aadhaar number for availing subsidy for LPG cylinders. In its modified version around 19.35 lakh consumers will be covered. The LPG consumers will be given six months to get their gas connection linked with their bank account with or without Aadhaar card. The scheme will be launched by all oil companies like Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum. Unlike previous schemes linkage availing subsidy to Aadhaar card has been made optional. Once the saving bank account of LPG consumer is registered the LPG distribution companies will transfer the first installment of subsidy in their account in advance. Consumers have three months to get themselves registered wherever the scheme will be launched. The primary aim of this Direct Benefit Transfer programme is to bring transparency and terminate pilferage from distribution of funds sponsored by Government of India. In DBT, benefit or subsidy will be directly transferred to citizens living below poverty line. No subsidy will be given to those who don’t require it. The direct benefit LPG consumers who have Aadhaar card number it must be provided to their LPG distributors using the prescribed Form 2 and for bank using of Form 1 as soon as the policy is introduced in other areas. The consumers will have the right to complain and get their subsidy transferred on time as one can use helpline and portals, to track the entire process-from booking a cylinder to getting subsidy approved and transferred.
