LPG in India is provided at subsidized rates, ensuring that people can afford it. The typical subsidy amount ranges between Rs.160 and Rs.170 per cylinder, helping people save a considerable sum each year. Given the numbers involved, there was a provision for misuse of the subsidy amount, which is why the government introduced the PAHAL or Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG Scheme. PAHAL or Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh Scheme aims to provide direct benefits to consumers.
The scheme, which was originally introduced in 2013 was relaunched to cover the entire country. As per the scheme, LPG consumers can get the subsidy amount directly into their bank account, eliminating the need for any third party.
Salient Features and Benefits of PAHAL (DBTL) LPG Scheme
Some of the key features of this scheme are highlighted below:
- Individuals who wish to utilize the benefits under this scheme need to have a bank account. The subsidized amount will be directly transferred to this account.
- The cylinder will be available at the market price, with the subsidy amount paid to the account. This ensures that multiple pricing is avoided and everyone is on par.
- Under the scheme, a one-time advance will be transferred to the bank account of a customer. This amount will be before they buy their first cylinder from the market.
- The subsidy will be paid depending on how many subsidized cylinders an individual is entitled to in a given year.
- Customers can choose to either link their Aadhar number with their gas connection or could directly link their bank account.
- Customers who join the scheme will be paid an advance of Rs.568, which will be transferred into their account.
- Individuals who do not require the subsidy amount can choose to voluntarily give it up. The amount saved will be used for other purposes.
- Customers can register their mobile numbers with their gas agency to get SMS updates related to the scheme.
- The scheme would prevent the sale of unauthorized cylinders, reducing black market deals. This also improves overall safety, for LPG cylinders purchased on the black market could be prone to leaks and other issues.
- It would eliminate cases where individuals have multiple gas connections. Each household can have only one connection, with this move leading to regularization of practices.
- The scheme eliminates intermediaries, helping everyone involved save money. Not only consumers, even oil companies can save money through this, for they need not hire any third party to keep an eye on the subsidy amount.
- It helps agencies keep a track of their consumers, helping them provide improved services.
- Individuals who do not have a bank account cannot utilize the benefits under this scheme. This scheme thereby motivates people into opening bank accounts, pushing the country towards a cashless economy.
Working of PAHAL Yojana/Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme
The working of PAHAL is explained in these simple steps:
- Individuals need to register for the scheme. Registration can be done either by linking their Aadhar with the gas connection id or by directly linking their bank account with the gas connection.
- Once registered, a single advance will be paid to the consumer. This will be at the time they make their first booking.
- Each time they book the cylinder they will have to pay the market price. The subsidized amount will directly be transferred into the bank account which is linked to their gas connection.
- Individuals will be paid the subsidy for the number of subsidized cylinders they are eligible for in a particular year. Post this, they will pay the market rate for cylinders.
Procedure to Register Direct Benefit Transfer (PAHAL) Scheme
Individuals can register using two methods:
- Aadhar – Customers who want to utilize the DBTL scheme through their Aadhar details can do so by linking their Aadhar number with their bank account. This can be done by filling up form 1, which can either be downloaded from the internet or taken from the gas distributor. This form should be deposited at the bank or the LPG distributor. Next, form 2 needs to be filled to link the Aadhar with the LPG connection. This can be done either online, through the official UIDAI website or by submitting it physically to the distributor. Additionally, one can also register via SMS or by using the IVRS facility.
- Without Aadhar – In the event of a consumer not having an Aadhar, he/she can register with their savings account. This can be done by providing the bank details, including the account number, name of account holder, IFSC, contact details, etc. Additionally, one can also ask the bank to link their gas connection with the bank account in order to get the subsidy directly.
Checking Your PAHAL (DBTL) Status
Most gas companies provide an option to check the PAHAL status on their website. Individuals can do this by submitting certain basic information like their consumer number, the state and district they belong to, and their distributor details.
