Andhra CM Unveils 'Deepam - 2' Free Cooking Gas Cylinder Scheme

Srikakulam: Andhra Presh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday launched 'Deepam - 2', a free cooking gas cylinder distribution scheme part of his 'Super Six' promises, at Eedupuram village in Srikakulam district.

Accompanied by Civil Supplies Minister N Manohar, Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu and ors, chief minister launched scheme at a woman beneficiary's home here.

"I thought only one thing. Our women are struggling a lot. Expenses are increasing and to reduce those expenses, I said I will give three gas cylinders per annum in election manifesto and commenced that today," said Naidu, ruling Telugu Desam Party chief, dressing a public meeting at Eedupuram.

'Deepam - 2' offers three cylinders per annum to eligible beneficiaries at rate of one cylinder every four months. It is one of "Super Six" poll promises given by Naidu in run-up to 2024 elections.

According to government sources, scheme is applicable to all below poverty line (BPL) households, which have a rice card and a regular cooking gas (LPG) connection, linked to ir Ahar and mobile numbers and verified.

While launching scheme, Naidu lit gas stove of beneficiary and prepared tea. He also enquired about welfare of family.

Observing that free gas scheme will offer flexibility to women, Naidu said 1,671 households from village were eligible for scheme, which will cost Rs 42 lakh per annum while it will cost Rs 122 crore for entire Srikakulam district.

According to official sources, total cost to state exchequer through 'Deepam-2' scheme is expected to be Rs 2,684 crore.

Noting that he thinks about welfare of women, Naidu said y constitute 50 percent of population, who are efficient, smart and possess ability to run a family.

"Women should have freedom. y are 50 percent of population. y should not be limited to cooking and raising children. Your intelligence should also be useful to your family. You should also live with self-respect. To live with self-respect, you should also have ability to earn money," he said.

TDP supremo exuded confidence that 50 percent of entrepreneurs under 'One Family One Entrepreneur' call given by him would be women from Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (Dwcra) groups.

Furr, Naidu said a new diaphragm wall will be built at Polavaram Project under Phase 1, ding state government has convinced Centre, prompting it to give Rs 12,500 crore.

Following Phase , he said re will be Phase 2 and n project will be completed.

NDA government of TDP, BJP and Janasena brought Amaravati greenfield capital city back on track and pooled resources for it, he said.

According to Naidu, Centre is cooperating on Amaravati project and expressed confidence that all works will be in full swing before January.

Moreover, CM said re is a need to build a new airport between Srikakulam and Icchapuram in North Andhra as airport in Visakhapatnam is farr from this place.

He said airport could be set up at Tekkali or Palasa, among ors.

(Except for heline, this story has not been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.)