Free LPG cylinders for Diwali

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to distribute three free gas cylinders starting from Diwali as part of a new initiative, with Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar announcing the plans during a public event. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has begun its distribution of free LPG cylinders to 1.86 crore families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, allocating Rs 1,890 crore for this year’s initiative. This marks an increase from last year’s distribution, which benefited 1.85 crore families. The Ujjwala Yojana provides a central government subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder, while the state covers the remaining costs. Both initiatives aim to enhance access to clean cooking fuel for low-income families during the festive season. The minister in Andhra Pradesh criticized the previous administration for failing to fulfill similar promises in rural development.