Dikshit launches ambitious 'Kerosene free Delhi scheme'

Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit has said that Delhi has taken a lead in the country to make it a kerosene free city. This will usher an era of convenience and smoke free cooking for more than 3.56 lakh AAY, BPL, JRC card holders who have been finding it difficult to procure kerosene in order to cook food in their dwelling units.

Dikshit described this as a unique effort of her government, which will go a long way in overcoming siphoning of kerosene under PDS by certain dealers and others. Smt.Dikshit expressed these views while launching the programme which was also attended by Food & Supplies Minister Haroon Yusuf, PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, WCD Minister Prof. Kiran Walia, State level coordinators of three oil companies, 200 beneficiaries and other senior officers.

Dikshit stated that the City Government will spend Rs.3049 for each beneficiary to provide LPG connection, gas etc. at the first instance. The beneficiaries were advised to make rational use of cooking gas and get their cylinder filled by themselves afterwards.

Dikshit further stated that her government is considering offering an option of Rs.1000 per month as cash transfer to BPL cardholders for procuring their foodgrains. This will enable them to purchase foodgrains of their choice and they would feel at ease, as they will not to be forced to visit ration shops again and again to inquire availability of foodgrains.

The city Government has been approaching the Union Government to seek its concurrence. She announced that Dilli Annshri Yojana would be launched in next two months to provide cash transfer of Rs.600 per month to the senior most member of vulnerable families other than 4 lakh BPL and AAY card holders who are being provided foodgrains through PDS. The new scheme would benefit another two lakh families to enhance scope of food subsidy to the needy persons.