The Pratyaksh Hastantarit labh (PAHAl), also known as Direct Benefits Transfer for lPG (DBTl) scheme, of the Union Government was effective from January 1 all over India. Here are details about the DBTl or PAHAl.
This is a scheme meant to facilitate cash subsidy to lPG consumers to buy twelve 14.2-kg cylinders or 34 five-kg refills a year. The subsidy will directly get deposited to the consumer’s bank account.
What happens if a consumer needs to buy more than the quotaIJ
Customers can still buy extra cylinders, but at market price.
How many people are going to benefit from this scheme in OdishaIJ
The scheme will benefit 2.8 million lPG consumers of Odisha. The gas companies distribute 1.8 million cylinders through 422 distribution centres in the State.
How does a customer get himself linked to this schemeIJ
Customers who wish to join the scheme will have to link their Aadhaar card number into their bank account.
What if a consumer does not have an Aadhaar cardIJ
If someone does not possess Aadhaar card, he/she can link his/her bank account directly with their 17-digit lPG ID.
Is Aadhar card mandatoryIJ
No. However, the Government recommends you to link your Aadhar card and bank account and lPG card, if possible. Aadhar card might be made mandatory in future.
How does this workIJ
A sum of Rs 568 will be paid in advance to the consumer to the linked bank account as soon as he makes the first booking for a cylinder after joining the scheme to ensure that he has extra money required to pay for the first lPG cylinder at market price. Customers will be able to get lPG cylinders at market price and will receive the subsidy directly in his linked bank account. This is in addition to the subsidy that is paid on each cylinder.
Who do I contact to join the schemeIJ
Camps are being organised at various banks and lPG distributors’ premises to enable lPG consumers to link their bank account and Aadhaar.
I don’t want to join the scheme now. How is it going to affect meIJ
Between January 1, 2015 and March 31, 2015 (three months), lPG consumers who do not wish to join the scheme can still get the cylinder at subsidised prices from the dealer as they are getting it today.
What are my chances of signing up laterIJ
Between April 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015 (three months), lPG consumers who still have not joined the scheme can purchase the cylinders at market price and subsidy will be reserved. As soon as they join the scheme within this three-month period, the parked subsidy would be sent to their bank accounts. Otherwise, it will lapse.
What is the last date to join the schemeIJ
July 1, 2015 onward, consumers who still have not joined the scheme will need to buy the cylinder at market price. However, subsidy will not be applicable. Subsidy can only be transferred to the accounts of those who have joined the scheme prior to June 30, 2015. Any consumer joining the scheme after June 30, 2015 will get permanent advance and subsidy with prospective effect.