Background: LPG subsidy scheme, Aadhaar.
- The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for availing cooking gas (LPG) subsidies but has given two months grace period for citizens to get the unique identification number.
- The government currently gives 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidised rates per household in a year. The subsidy on every cylinder is transferred in advance directly into bank accounts of individuals, who then buy the cooking fuel at market rates.
- The Ministry said use of Aadhaar as identifier for delivery of services/benefits/subsidies simplified the government delivery processes, brought in transparency and efficiency, and enabled beneficiaries to get their entitlements directly.
- Aadhaar obviates the need for producing multiple documents to prove one’s identity.