Gujarat becomes first state to launch subsidised PNG for BPL families

Pilot project started in Bharuch, will be taken to other parts of state later; one-time subsidy of Rs 1,600 on cards for each connection

On its foundation day, Gujarat became first in the country to offer subsidised piped natural gas (PNG) to households falling under the below poverty line (BPL) in Bharuch. In what is being launched a pilot project, the new PNG/LNG Sahay Yojana may see replication in other parts of Gujarat as well as other states.

Under the scheme, Gujarat government will provide a one-time subsidy of Rs 1,600 for each connection or household, apart from Rs 1725 as loan to consumers seeking new PNG connection.

For the subsidy, the state government is learnt to have made a provision of nearly Rs 720 million