PAHAL SCHEME
Context:
- As of July 1, 2025, the Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) / PAHAL scheme has led to blocking, suspension, or deactivation of 4.08 crore duplicate, fake, or inactive LPG connections.
- Aim: Prevent misuse/diversion of subsidised LPG, enhance transparency, and ensure targeted subsidy delivery.
KEY SCHEMES INVOLVED
DBTL / PAHAL Scheme:
- Launched: January 2015.
- Mechanism: Subsidy for LPG cylinders is transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible consumers.
- Objective: Eliminate leakages, identify ‘ghost’ beneficiaries, and prevent commercial misuse.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
- Targets poor households, especially women, by providing subsidised LPG connections.
ACHIEVEMENTS & STATISTICS
- 4.08 crore fake/duplicate/inactive LPG connections blocked.
- 33.05 crore total active LPG consumers.
- 92.44% Aadhaar seeding in OMC databases.
- 86.78% DBTL consumers Aadhaar-transfer compliant.
- 67% PMUY beneficiaries completed biometric Aadhaar authentication.
TECHNOLOGY & POLICY MEASURES
Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP):
- Facilitates de-duplication of LPG connections.
- Uses Aadhaar, bank details, AHL TIN, ration card, etc., for authentication.
Aadhaar-Based Verification:
- Enables real-time, accurate, and cost-effective beneficiary identification.
- Helps in reducing leakages and improving targeted delivery.
Biometric Authentication:
- Mandatory for new PMUY connections.
- Ongoing for existing PMUY and DBTL users to prevent misuse.
CHALLENGES NOTED
- Failed subsidy transfers due to:
- Aadhaar deseeding from bank accounts.
- Inactive Aadhaar.
- Bank mergers, account closures, or transfers.
- Ongoing efforts to ensure Aadhaar-transfer compliance for all users.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen digital infrastructure and grievance redressal.
- Ensure 100% Aadhaar-bank account seeding.
- Enhance awareness and digital literacy among rural consumers.
- Monitor real-time subsidy delivery and transaction failures.
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