TN CM Announces Three Free LPG Cylinders Annually for 1.3 Crore Families

Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced on Monday that the Tamil Nadu government will provide three free LPG cylinders annually to over 1.3 crore economically vulnerable families across the state under the 'Annapurna' scheme.

Making the announcement under Rule 110 in the Assembly in Chennai, the Chief Minister stated that the initiative is intended to serve as a buffer against rising household expenses caused by the ongoing four-month Gulf conflict and resulting fuel supply shocks. The policy forms part of the administration's Vetri Vision Document.

The scheme will benefit 1,30,16,104 households throughout Tamil Nadu. Eligibility criteria cover families earning an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh, small and marginal farmers, and households that include persons with disabilities.

Under the proposed implementation framework, eligible beneficiaries will purchase LPG cylinders upfront directly from oil marketing companies. The full subsidy amount will subsequently be credited directly to their linked bank accounts once the purchase receipt is generated.

The state government has allocated an annual expenditure of Rs 4,000 crore to finance the subsidy programme. Preparatory groundwork has already begun, and the formal rollout of the scheme is scheduled to take place during the Pongal festival in January next year.