Answering the unanswered questions on DBT in LPG scheme

What if a consumer joined the scheme earlier? And what if one doesn't join at all?

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The government might have launched the modified version of the ambitious direct benefits transfer (DBT) in cooking gas scheme from January 1 but key questions still remain unanswered.

What if an LPG consumer had joined the scheme earlier? In what way is the new scheme different from the earlier one? What happens when a consumer does not join the scheme?

According to the petroleum ministry, consumers who had previously joined the scheme by linking their Aadhaar number, LPG consumer number and bank database will get cylinders at market price. The subsidy will be transferred to their bank accounts. They can check their cash transfer compliance status on the portal www.mylpg.in.

Those who want to join the scheme have to fill a form available with distributors and also on the portal. Consumers can provide their Aadhaar number to LPG distributor and to the bank.

Those who do not have Aadhaar number can give bank details to the LPG distributor or submit the 17-digit LPG identification number to the bank.

“After the launch of the scheme on 1 January, consumers will get a one-time permanent advance of Rs 568 as soon as they book a cylinder after joining the scheme. The consumers will get LPG cylinders at market price and the subsidy amount in their bank accounts after the launch of the scheme in their district,” the ministry said.

Between January 1 and March 31, consumers who do not join the scheme will get the cylinder at the subsidised price as they are getting it currently. Between April 1 and  June 30, consumers who still do not join the scheme will start getting the cylinder at market price and subsidy will be parked with the oil marketing companies.

As soon as they join the scheme, the parked subsidy would be credited to their bank accounts.
CHECKLIST

• Already joined the scheme: Get cylinders at market price and subsidy in bank
• From January 1 and March 31: Get cylinder at subsidised price
• From April 1 to June 30: Get cylinder at market price, subsidy is kept with the oil marketing companies. When the consumer joins the scheme, money will be transferred to bank account
• From July 1: Cylinder will be provided at market price, no subsidy unless the consumer links Aadhaar number with bank account