Jammu, Mar 24: Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said that the proposal of providing 12 gas cylinders free of cost to people in J&K is currently under examination.
In a written reply to a question of Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in charge of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma informed the House that the issue of providing 12 gas cylinders free of cost in J&K is under examination.
“The issue is under examination by the Government. All efforts are being made to fulfill commitments,” the minister said.
Lone had inquired whether the government intends to provide 12 gas cylinders free of cost and if so, the timeline for its implementation.
The promise to provide 12 cylinders free of cost every year to Economically Weaker Sections(EWS) of the society in J&K was originally made in the manifesto of the National Conference for the 2014 UT polls.
In November last year, Satish Sharma said the formal announcement on providing 12 gas cylinders a year to the people of J&K would be made shortly.
“ Modalities are being finalized and very soon the formal announcement regarding double ration and 12 gas cylinders will be made public,” he had said.
Providing 12 LPG refills and 200 free power units was the major election plank of the ruling National Conference during the assembly polls.
On March 7, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced 200 units of free electricity for AAY families in Jammu and Kashmir.
The CM also announced free ridership for all women of J&K in Government-owned public transport including e-buses on the eve of International Women’s Day.
The announcement was made by him while presenting the J&K Budget 2025-26 in the J & K Legislative Assembly.
He also announced 200 free units of electricity for all AAY houses, keeping a promise made in the NC manifesto.
In August last year Omar, who is also National Conference (NC) Vice President, promised 200 units of free power if his party was voted to power.
Earlier, Omar said Jammu and Kashmir aim to achieve self-sufficiency in power generation in the next two years, ensuring a reliable electricity supply, and that the government was committed to offering 200 units of free electricity.
Responding to a question from National Conference MLA Shamima Firdous, the Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of the Power portfolio said, in a written reply, that in collaboration with NHPC, JKSPDC has formed joint ventures such as CVPPL and RHPCL to implement various projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
When asked whether the government provides 200 units of free electricity to consumers and what steps have been taken in this regard, the government responded by saying, “The necessary steps will be outlined during the demand for grants for the sector.”