Implementation Progress:
The Telangana government is swiftly moving forward with the implementation of its promised guarantees. Already, two out of the six guarantees pledged during the elections are in effect, with plans set for two more to roll out soon.
Free Electricity and Gas Cylinder Subsidies:
Chief Minister Revanth has announced the launch of schemes offering free electricity and subsidies of Rs. 500 per gas cylinder and Rs. 200 per family. Scheduled for release on the 27th, these schemes fall under the umbrella of the six guarantees. Notably, implementation rules for the Grilahakshmi scheme have been finalized.
Implementation Details of Guarantees:
Among the crucial guarantees is the Grilahakshmi scheme. The Civil Supplies Department has clarified that this scheme applies exclusively to white ration cardholders who have applied through public administration. Beneficiaries, identified based on their past three years’ gas consumption, will receive subsidies accordingly. Around 40 lakh beneficiaries have been identified so far.
Griha Lakshmi Policy:
Under this policy, eligible households will receive subsidies for three to five cylinders annually based on their average consumption over the last three years. Plans are underway to include beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme, with the central government expected to reimburse selected Griha Lakshmi beneficiaries directly into their accounts.
Payment via DBT:
To streamline the subsidy process, the state government will calculate and transfer subsidies directly to oil marketing companies (OMCs). Upon cylinder refill, OMCs will receive Rs. 500 per cylinder through direct cash transfer, with the remaining amount deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This decision, inspired by Karnataka’s model, aims to ensure timely and efficient subsidy distribution.