Free LPG cylinder before Diwali: Facility available in states including UP and Delhi; take this step immediately for gas subsidy..

As the festive season kicks off across the country, there is good news regarding gas cylinders for poor and middle-class families. In addition to the regular ₹300 subsidy provided under the Central Government's Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), several states are offering completely free LPG cylinders to mark the festivities. Recently, the Delhi government announced that it would transfer financial assistance equivalent to the cost of one cylinder directly into the bank accounts of ration card holders. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government transfers funds for cylinder refills to beneficiaries' accounts during festivals. This facility of free cylinders is also being provided in several other states, including Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa.

**Free Cylinders During Festivals in Delhi and UP**
As per the announcement by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, all eligible beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in the state receive this benefit. In Delhi, under the government's scheme, this benefit is extended to all families holding ration cards.

Instead of delivering a physical cylinder to the doorstep, the Delhi government transfers financial assistance (via Direct Benefit Transfer or DBT) equivalent to the cost of one cylinder directly into the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account just before the festival. Notably, even those who use Piped Natural Gas (PNG) are eligible to receive this amount.

**When and How Will the Free Diwali Cylinder Be Received?**
According to the scheme's guidelines, in states where two free cylinders are provided annually, the first one is distributed just before Diwali, and the second is provided during the Holi festival (specifically in the January–March quarter). Gas companies typically activate the booking process and update beneficiary accounts 10 to 15 days prior to Diwali to ensure that cylinder deliveries are completed in every household before the festival arrives. Under this scheme, consumers must pay the full price of the cylinder at the time of booking; the government then refunds the entire amount to the beneficiary's bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) within 3 to 4 days of delivery.

Which states offer free cylinders?
Uttar Pradesh (UP) – The Uttar Pradesh government provides two free cylinders annually (the first for Diwali and the second for Holi) to approximately 1.86 crore Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries in the state.

Delhi – Under the Delhi government's scheme, all ration card-holding families in the capital receive two free cylinders per year (for Diwali and Holi). Families using PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections also receive this benefit in the form of cash assistance.

Andhra Pradesh – Under the 'Deepam 2.0 Scheme' in Andhra Pradesh, women holding white ration cards are provided with three free LPG cylinders annually; these can be booked at intervals of four months.

Goa – The Goa government provides three free cylinders a year to families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and to low-income families; an annual financial assistance of ₹3,000 is transferred directly to their bank accounts for this purpose.

Uttarakhand – The Uttarakhand government provides three free LPG cylinders annually, completely free of cost, to all poor families in the state holding 'Antyodaya ration cards'. Similarly, in Jammu & Kashmir, there is a provision to provide six free cylinders annually to families eligible under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

What to do to get free gas cylinders
Even if your name is on the government's beneficiary list, you might miss out on free cylinders due to certain lapses. The government has now made e-KYC mandatory for all LPG connections. If you have not completed the e-KYC process via biometric verification or Aadhaar at your gas agency, your subsidy and the funds for free cylinders will be withheld.

The refund for the free cylinder is credited directly to your bank account; therefore, your bank account must be active and linked to your Aadhaar card. Discrepancies in names, addresses, or other details across your ration card, Aadhaar card, and gas connection documents could also stall your booking or subsidy.

When will the free gas cylinder subsidy be received?
The process for receiving free cylinders involves a refund provided directly as a gas subsidy. First, you must book the gas cylinder.
You are required to pay the full price of the cylinder in cash at the time of delivery.
Once the cylinder is delivered, the Ujjwala subsidy of ₹300 will be credited to your account.
The state government's subsidy will be transferred directly to the same bank account.

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