The government of Maharashtra has initiated plans to introduce the Annapurna scheme, which aims to provide a subsidy of Rs 530 per gas cylinder for three cylinders to marginalized families. While the original proposal suggested alignment with the central Ujjwala scheme, the state government has opted to implement it independently to prioritize local beneficiaries.The government of Maharashtra has initiated plans to introduce the Annapurna scheme, which aims to provide a subsidy of Rs 530 per gas cylinder for three cylinders to marginalized families. While the original proposal suggested alignment with the central Ujjwala scheme, the state government has opted to implement it independently to prioritize local beneficiaries. However, discussions within the government have highlighted concerns over the financial implications of this scheme. The Planning and Finance departments have expressed reservations about the financial burden, leading to delays in the official issuance of the government order for the Annapurna scheme. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde supports extending the benefits to both Ujjwala and “My Dear Sister” beneficiaries. However, the government’s internal disagreements over the scope of the scheme have hindered its implementation. As a result, the official government order for the Annapurna scheme remains pending.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department has started preparations to implement this scheme and issue the government order. Under the Ujjwala scheme, the central government provides a subsidy of Rs 300 per gas cylinder, while the market price of one cylinder is around Rs 830. The proposal to provide a subsidy of Rs 530 per cylinder for three cylinders was presented to the cabinet. However, the state government chose to implement this scheme independently, rather than as part of the central Ujjwala scheme, to ensure local benefits.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde supported the inclusion of both Ujjwala and ‘My Dear Sister’ beneficiaries for this free cylinder allowance. However, the Planning and Finance departments were concerned about the financial burden of such schemes. Disagreement within the government over who should benefit from the scheme led to delays and the official government order for the Annapurna scheme is yet to be issued.
