In a recent announcement, State Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar declared that every eligible woman in Andhra Pradesh will receive a free gas cylinder as part of the government’s Deepam 2.0 initiative. Despite the state’s financial challenges, the NDA coalition is moving forward with this scheme to fulfill its commitment to women’s empowerment. Manohar urged opposition parties to shift focus from criticism and instead observe and provide feedback based on ground-level results. He distributed gas cylinders to beneficiaries at a Deepam 2.0 launch event in Chennareddy Colony, Tirupati.
Gas Cylinder Booking Open Until March
Manohar noted that the previous YSRCP administration left the state with debts amounting to ₹11 lakh crore. The current government, he stated, is committed to delivering on its promises by implementing Deepam 2.0. Eligible women can book their gas cylinders until March, with around 12 lakh bookings already made across the state in just three days.
Direct Cash Transfers Under Ujjwala Yojana
The minister also highlighted upcoming modifications to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, enabling direct cash transfers to beneficiaries’ bank accounts upon gas cylinder delivery. Emphasizing prompt action on electoral promises, he pointed out that the new administration has already implemented several welfare initiatives within four months. Manohar further announced that new ration cards, adhering to central government guidelines, will soon be issued to eligible recipients.