Mysuru: A programme to distribute free LPG cylinders to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the Centre’s flagship scheme to provide LPG connections to below-poverty-line households, was held at Kalamandira recently.

Distributing the cylinders, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha said that all gas agencies should only charge Rs. 560 per cylinder and Rs. 980 per gas stove. “Residents of Mysuru have complained that most gas agencies in the district are charging high for the cylinders and the gas stoves despite the price cap on them. This cannot be tolerated and action will be taken against such agencies,” he warned.

He expressed his dissatisfaction against gas agencies who have not understood the Ujjwala scheme and who have been denying the facility to eligible beneficiaries.  

The Ujjwala scheme was launched by the Narendra Modi government to provide free LPG connection to 8 crore families all over the country and already 2 crore families have been covered under the programme. “It is a matter of pride that more than one crore people have surrendered their LPG connection following a call given by Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

Directing his ire at State government, the MP said that it was the Union government that slashed the prices of rice to Rs. 3 per kg to be distributed to the poor. “Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah copied the same scheme to give rice at Rs. 2 per kg under the ‘Annabhagya’ scheme. Likewise, many Central schemes like free cows under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has become ‘Hasu Bhagya’ here. The Centre’s sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation and fertiliser subsidies have been copied for ‘Krishi Bhagya’,” he said.