The Delhi Government has announced a major welfare initiative ahead of the Holi festival, approving the distribution of a free LPG cooking gas cylinder to economically weaker families in the national capital. The decision was cleared during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, with an initial budget allocation of Rs 300 crore for the first phase of implementation.

The scheme will come into effect from Holi and is aimed exclusively at eligible ration card holders belonging to economically weaker sections in Delhi. According to officials, beneficiaries have already been identified based on existing government records. Each eligible household will receive financial assistance equivalent to the cost of one LPG cylinder.

This announcement fulfills a key promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the Delhi Assembly elections, wherein the party pledged to provide free LPG cylinders to poor families during Holi and Diwali, along with an additional subsidized cylinder priced at Rs 500. The government has clarified that the current decision represents the first step toward implementing those assurances.

The free LPG cylinder benefit will be provided through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. Under this system, the subsidy amount will be credited directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries, enabling them to refill their gas cylinders independently. Officials emphasized that this approach ensures transparency and avoids logistical confusion.

Authorities have assured that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the funds are credited to beneficiary accounts before Holi. While the current phase carries an outlay of Rs 300 crore, future allocations will depend on the number of beneficiaries covered. No final decision has yet been announced regarding the proposed Rs 500 subsidized gas cylinder, with sources indicating that a separate announcement may be made at a later stage.