PM slashes LPG cylinder prices by ₹100 on International Women's Day

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a reduction in the LPG cylinder prices by ₹100 to ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country.

"Today, on Women's Day, our government has decided to reduce LPG cylinder prices by ₹100. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting our Nari Shakti. By making cooking gas more affordable, we also aim to support the well-being of families and ensure a healthier environment. This is in line with our commitment to empowering women and ensuring 'Ease of Living' for them," says PM Modi.

This comes a day after the cabinet approved the continuation of the targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year during FY24-25 under Ujjwala Yojana. The decision will come into effect from April 1. As per a government statement, there are more than 10.27 crore Ujjawala Yojana beneficiaries. The total expenditure will be ₹12,000 crore for FY25.

The decision comes months after the government in May last year, hiked the targeted subsidy under Ujjwala Yojana by ₹200/- per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per annum. "As of 01.02.2024, the effective price of domestic LPG for PMUY consumers is ₹603 per 14.2 Kg LPG cylinder in Delhi," says the government.

Meanwhile, ahead of the general elections, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)) has also fixed the minimum support price (MSP) for raw jute at ₹5,335 per quintal for the 2024-25 season. The MSP for the 2024-25 season is an increase of ₹285/-per quintal for raw jute over the previous season, according to the CCEA.

"In the last 10 years, the government has increased MSP for raw jute from ₹2,400 per quintal in 2014-15 to ₹5,335/- per quintal in 2024-25, registering a growth of 122%. In the current season 2023-24, the government has procured a record amount of more than 6.24 lakh bales of Raw Jute, at the cost of ₹524.32 crore, benefitting around 1.65 lakh farmers," says CCEA.

Notably, in order to provide financial assistance to small tea growers, the government has hiked the financial assistance under the 'Tea Development & Promotion Scheme' by 82% from ₹290.81 crore to ₹528.97 crore for FY25 and FY26. "A range of incentives are planned to be provided to small tea growers by mobilizing them into SHGs and FPOs. Setting up of 800 SHGs and 330 FPOs has been envisaged in the next two financial years with an increased assistance of ₹105.5 crore compared to 40 SHGs & 8 FPOs previously planned with an assistance of ₹2.7 crore. This will increase coverage of small tea growers from 1000 to more than 30,000 in the next two years," says the government.