The Andhra Pradesh state government has started the AP Free Gas Cylinder Booking 2024 program. All citizens of Andhra Pradesh who wish to book free gas cylinders under the Deepam scheme can now easily access the booking system online. This online method saves significant time and effort, eliminating the need to visit government offices in person. Eligible citizens will receive three free LPG gas cylinders annually under this scheme.
About the AP Free Gas Cylinder (Deepam) Scheme
The Andhra Pradesh State government launched the Deepam scheme to provide free LPG gas cylinders to eligible female residents. Through this initiative, 55 lakh women across Andhra Pradesh will benefit from free gas cylinders, easing the financial burden on economically weaker households. Beneficiaries will receive cylinders at scheduled intervals: the first by March 31, the second by June 30, and the third by November 30.
Objective of AP Free Gas Cylinder Booking
The AP Free Gas Cylinder booking program enables citizens to reserve their cylinders online, aiming to reduce the financial strain on low-income households. Starting October 29, 2024, citizens can book their cylinders online or use the SMS and IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) options introduced to simplify the process further.
Key Highlights of the AP Free Gas Cylinder Scheme
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Scheme | AP Free Gas Cylinder Scheme 2024 (Deepam Scheme) |
| Launched By | Government of Andhra Pradesh |
| Launch Date | October 29, 2024 |
| Announced By | Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu |
| Purpose | Provide financial relief with free LPG cylinders |
| Beneficiaries | Citizens of Andhra Pradesh |
| Target Group | Low-income households with a domestic gas connection |
| Number of Cylinders | Three free cylinders annually |
| Eligibility | Must be a permanent resident; financial limitations |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar, Ration Card, PAN, Address Proof, etc. |
| Application Process | Available online and offline |
| Estimated Expenditure | Approximately ₹2,674 crores |
| Contact | Toll-free: 1967 |
| Important Dates | Launch: Oct 29, 2024; Delivery Start: Oct 31, 2024 |
Silent Features of the Scheme
- Financial Support: Reduces fuel costs for low-income households.
- Environmental Impact: Promotes cleaner energy and reduces traditional biomass fuel use.
- Financial Stability: Helps households save funds for other necessities.
- Women Empowerment: Alleviates workload by providing easy access to cooking fuel.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the AP Free Gas Cylinder Scheme 2024, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Permanent Residency: Only residents of Andhra Pradesh are eligible.
- Household LPG Connection: Each household can have one connection.
- Female Beneficiaries: Scheme targets female heads of households.
- Financially Unstable: Beneficiaries must belong to the economically weaker section.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- PAN Card
- Address Proof
- LPG Connection Details
- Income Certificate
- Electricity Bill
- Registered Mobile Number
How to Book AP Free Gas Cylinders
Citizens can book their free cylinders online, through IVRS, or via SMS. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method:
Online Booking for HP, Indane, or Bharat Gas Cylinders
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the website of Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, or Indane Oil.
- Login or Register: Existing users can log in, while new users must register first.
- Open Booking Dashboard: On the dashboard, find and select “Free Gas Cylinder Booking.”
- Choose Cylinder: Select the desired cylinder type and provide details like LPG connection ID.
- Submit Booking: Click “Submit” to finalize the booking.
Booking Through IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System)
- Register Mobile Number: Visit the gas provider’s website and register your phone if not already done.
- Call the Toll-Free Number:
- Indane: 7718955555
- Bharat Gas: 7715012345
- Follow IVRS Instructions: Follow prompts to book your cylinder.
Booking via SMS
- Send an SMS: Compose a message with your 16-digit customer ID and last four digits of your Aadhaar.
- Send to the Designated Number:
- Indane: 7718955555
- Bharat Gas: 7715012345
- Receive Confirmation: You’ll get a confirmation SMS once the booking is successful.
Conclusion
The AP Free Gas Cylinder Booking 2024 initiative is a major step in reducing fuel costs and promoting cleaner cooking alternatives for Andhra Pradesh’s low-income households. By providing three free gas cylinders per year, the government aims to ease the financial burden on economically weaker families and support a shift towards cleaner, healthier energy options. Beneficiaries should prepare required documents, register, and use the convenient online, IVRS, or SMS methods to secure their bookings on time.