PM Modi announces a Rs 100 reduction in the price of LPG cylinders on Women’s Day

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 100 reduction in LPG cylinder prices to alleviate household burdens, particularly benefiting women. “Today, on Women’s Day, our Government has decided to reduce LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting our Nari Shakti,” said the prime minister in a post on social media.

He added, ‘Making cooking gas more affordable aims to support family well-being and promote a healthier environment. This aligns with our commitment to empowering women and ensuring a better quality of life.’

The government also declared that starting April 1, poor women under the Ujjwala Yojana will continue to receive a subsidy of Rs 300 per LPG cylinder.

After raising the subsidy from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per 14.2-kg cylinder for 12 refills yearly, the government extended the Rs 300 subsidy for the ongoing fiscal year until March 31. Approximately 10 crore families are expected to benefit from this, costing the government Rs 12,000 crore. This decision coincides with the approaching general elections in April-May.

Launched in May 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aimed to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households. Although the connection was free, beneficiaries were required to purchase LPG refills at market price.

C-voter informed Reuters that their surveys indicate 46% of India’s 472 million women voters might choose the BJP-led alliance in the election, compared to 43% of men. This support could lead to a significant majority for the alliance in India’s first-past-the-post polling system. The Election Commission notes that a higher proportion of women are expected to vote this year, as was the case in the 2019 election.

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