Strengthened LPG Subsidy Framework
PAHAL Scheme Boosting Transparent and Citizen-Focused LPG Delivery: The PAHAL (DBTL) scheme, launched in January 2015, remains one of India’s largest household-level direct benefit transfer systems. It ensures domestic LPG cylinders are sold at a uniform market price across India, while the subsidy component is directly credited to consumers’ bank accounts. This design improves transparency and reduces leakage by removing price distortion at the distributor level.
Static GK fact: India is among the world’s top LPG-consuming countries, with Oil Marketing Companies operating over 28,000 distributors nationwide.
Improved Efficiency Through Data Verification
Targeting has improved significantly with Aadhaar-based verification and periodic data cleansing. These systems help eliminate ghost, inactive and duplicate connections, ensuring subsidies reach genuine households. The approach has helped reduce diversion of subsidised cylinders to commercial segments.
Static GK Tip: Aadhaar is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), created in 2009.
Role of the Common LPG Database Platform
The Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP) unifies consumer records across Oil Marketing Companies. It matches data using Aadhaar, bank account numbers, ration cards, household lists and address entries. This process ensures each eligible household maintains only one active LPG connection.
Static GK fact: India’s three public OMCs—IOCL, BPCL and HPCL—jointly manage the national LPG supply chain.
Biometric Authentication for Beneficiaries
Biometric Aadhaar authentication has become a major driver for real-time beneficiary validation. As of 1 November 2025, about 69% of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries completed biometric authentication, and all new PMUY users undergo this verification before getting an LPG connection. This strengthens identity confirmation and reduces fraudulent enrollment.
Removing Ineligible and Inactive Connections
Automated system checks under PAHAL have removed 8.63 lakh ineligible PMUY connections since its launch. A new SOP introduced in January 2025 resulted in the termination of nearly 20,000 inactive consumers who had not taken a refill after installation. These measures help maintain database accuracy and subsidy efficiency.
Feedback from Independent Assessments
A third-party evaluation by the Research and Development Initiative (RDI) reported high beneficiary satisfaction, with over 90% of respondents expressing confidence in the subsidy transfer system. Key recommendations included improving payment infrastructure and enhancing grievance redressal systems. The Government has begun implementing these suggestions to strengthen consumer convenience and accountability.
Enhanced Grievance Management Network
The LPG grievance ecosystem has been upgraded to provide quicker responses and multi-channel accessibility. Consumers can now report issues through toll-free helplines, OMC apps, CPGRAMS, WhatsApp services, chatbots, social media platforms and dedicated leakage/accident helpline 1906. This integrated network boosts timely resolution and safety outreach.
Static GK Tip: CPGRAMS was launched in 2007 as a central portal for grievance monitoring across government departments.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
PAHAL Scheme Boosting Transparent and Citizen-Focused LPG Delivery:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch year of PAHAL | 2015 |
| Authentication system used | Aadhaar biometric verification |
| OMCs involved | IOC, BPCL, HPCL |
| Percentage of PMUY beneficiaries authenticated | 69% as of Nov 2025 |
| Ineligible PMUY connections removed | 8.63 lakh |
| Inactive connections terminated | 20,000 |
| Key evaluation agency | Research and Development Initiative |
| Grievance helpline | 1800 2333 555 |
| Safety helpline | 1906 |
| Core purpose | Direct credit of LPG subsidy to consumers’ bank accounts |
