Chennai, August 24: The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled a significant domestic assistance program, providing eligible families in the state with three free LPG cylinders annually.
This initiative, named the “Annapoorni Super Six” scheme, is expected to benefit approximately 1.3 million families. It will be implemented starting January, coinciding with the Pongal festival. The government estimates that around ₹4,000 crore will be required for this program each year.
Under this scheme, beneficiaries will purchase LPG cylinders through the existing distribution system. The cost for the three cylinders each year will be directly credited to their registered bank accounts.
The direct benefit transfer mechanism aims to ensure that financial assistance reaches eligible families without delay or intermediary involvement. Families with an annual income of up to ₹25 lakh will be eligible to apply for this scheme. It primarily targets economically weaker families, small and marginal farmers, families of persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in society.
The announcement was made in the Tamil Nadu Assembly under Rule 110, which allows the Chief Minister to make statements on matters of public importance.
Before the scheme’s implementation, detailed guidelines regarding the application process, beneficiary verification, and fund distribution are expected to be released.
The program aims to alleviate the financial burden caused by domestic cooking fuel costs, particularly among low-income families. Rising household expenses have made it challenging for many families to refill their LPG cylinders, forcing them to delay purchases or rely on traditional fuels for cooking. By covering the cost of three cylinders annually, the government hopes to encourage the continued use of LPG while providing direct financial relief to families.
Women are likely to benefit significantly from this measure, as they are often the most affected in households that depend on wood and other polluting fuels for cooking.
The state government will need to conduct a large-scale verification campaign to identify eligible beneficiaries and link their LPG consumer details to bank accounts.
Coordination among revenue officials, civil supply officers, banks, and oil marketing companies will be essential for the smooth implementation of the program.
More information regarding registration, required documents, and the subsidy transfer program is expected to be announced before Pongal.
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