PAHAL (DBTL) LPG Scheme

Objectives of PAHAL

The main objectives of the PAHAL scheme are mentioned below:

1. Remove Diversion: To stop subsidised LPG cylinders from being diverted for commercial or industrial use, which is illegal.

1. Targeted Subsidy: To ensure the subsidy reaches the actual consumer and not fake accounts or intermediaries.

1. Improve Availability: By reducing the diversion of domestic cylinders, the availability of LPG for genuine households is improved.

1. Accountability: To create a transparent audit trail for every cylinder delivered and every rupee of subsidy transferred.

1. Self-Selection: To allow consumers who can afford market prices to voluntarily opt out of the subsidy, helping the poor.

PAHAL vs Earlier LPG Subsidy System

The main differences between the  PAHAL scheme and the earlier LPG subsidy scheme are mentioned in the table below: 

Key Features of the DBTL Scheme

The main features of the DBTL scheme are mentioned below: 

1. Direct Bank Transfer: The subsidy amount is credited to the consumer's bank account as soon as the cylinder is delivered. 

1. Aadhaar Integration: While Aadhaar is the primary mode of identification is making the process seamless, the scheme also offers options for those without an Aadhaar card. 

1. One-Time Advance: When a consumer joins the scheme, they receive a permanent one-time advance in their bank account. This helps them afford the first cylinder at the higher market price. 

1. Transparency: Consumers can check their subsidy status and refill history online through transparency portals. 

1. De-duplication: The scheme uses technology to identify and block multiple connections registered to the same household. 

Eligibility and Income Limits for PAHAL LPG

To be eligible for the subsidy under PAHAL, you must meet the following criteria: 

1. Active Connection: You must have an active LPG connection with a public sector Oil Marketing Company (like Indane, HP Gas, or Bharat Gas). 

1. Aadhaar/Bank Linkage: You must link your bank account to your LPG consumer ID (either via Aadhaar or directly). 

1. Income Limit: As per the government directive (effective from January 2016), you are not eligible for the subsidy if you or your spouse had a taxable income of more than Rs.10 lakh in the previous financial year. This is based on self-declaration or Income Tax records.

How to Register for PAHAL (DBTL) Scheme?

Consumers can join the scheme through two main methods: 

Primary Method (Aadhaar Based)

1. Link Aadhaar to Bank: Submit Form 1 to your bank branch to link your Aadhaar number with your bank account. 

1. Link Aadhaar to LPG: Submit Form 2 to your LPG distributor to link your Aadhaar number with your LPG consumer number. 

Secondary Method (Non-Aadhaar Based)

If you do not have an Aadhaar card, you can still register: 

1. Method A: Submit your bank account details (Account number, IFSC code, etc.) to your LPG distributor using Form 4. 

1. Method B: Submit your 17-digit LPG Consumer ID to your bank branch using Form 3. 

Note: Registration can also be done via SMS, IVRS (phone call), or the official websites of the oil companies. 

Check PAHAL Status on LPG Transparency Portals

You can easily verify if your account is Cash Transfer Compliant (CTC) and check your subsidy status by following the below-mentioned process: 

1. Visit the official website of mylpg. 

1. Select your LPG provider (Indane, HP, or Bharat Gas). 

1. Look for the option ‘Check PAHAL (DBTL) Status’ or ‘Give Feedback/Check Subsidy’. 

1. Enter your Consumer Number or registered mobile number. 

1. The portal will display whether your Aadhaar/Bank details are linked and the history of recent subsidy transfers. 

How Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for LPG Works?

The process flow for a registered consumer is as follows: 

1. Booking: The consumer books a cylinder through the dealer, phone, or online app. 

1. Payment: The consumer pays the full market price, which is higher than the subsidised rate to the delivery agent. 

1. Delivery Confirmation: The distributor updates the system that the delivery is complete. 

1. Subsidy Transfer: Within a few days, the Government processes the subsidy. 

1. Credit: The specific subsidy amount is credited directly to the consumer's linked bank account. An SMS is usually sent to the registered mobile number confirming the credit. 

PAHAL Scheme Benefits and Recent Updates

Benefits

1. Efficiency: The scheme has successfully removed millions of "ghost" (fake) and duplicate connections, saving the government crores in wasted subsidies. 

1. Consumer Protection: It ensures that genuine consumers are not denied cylinders due to artificial shortages created by black-marketers. 

1. Safety: By reducing the diversion of domestic cylinders to unsafe commercial environments, safety standards are better maintained. 

Recent Updates

1. Biometric Authentication: To further tighten security, the government has introduced biometric verification (using Aadhaar) for beneficiaries, especially under the Ujjwala Yojana, to ensure the person booking the cylinder is the actual beneficiary. 

1. Common Database: A Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP) helps oil companies cross-check data to prevent one household from holding connections from multiple providers. 

1. Grievance Redressal: New mechanisms, including toll-free numbers (1906) and social media channels, have been set up to resolve failed subsidy transactions quickly.