Ujjwala scheme symbol of progress, says Modi
New Delhi, May 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with Ujjwala beneficiaries across the country through video-conferencing and said the scheme has become a symbol of progress.
Three Ujjwala beneficiaries were present at each of the over 600 centres across the country for this interaction.
Besides, an estimated 10 lakh people viewed the interaction through various platforms including Narendra Modi app, television channels and social media platforms, a government statement said.
Expressing happiness at being able to interact with the beneficiaries and share their experiences through technology, Modi said the scheme was driving remarkable social transformation and in turn influencing a holistic development of the country.
According to the government, approximately four crore women in rural areas have received LPG connections so far through the Ujjwala Yojana.
"In all, nearly 10 crore new LPG connections have been issued in the four years since 2014 as compared to 13 crore in the nearly six decade period from 1955 to 2014.
"Now, 69 per cent villages have 100 per cent LPG penetration, while 81 per cent villages have more than 75 per cent LPG penetration," the government said.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister pointed out that Ujjwala had brought about benefits through better health outcomes, freedom from poisonous smoke and cleaner fuel.
"Women now have a greater opportunity to earn extra income as time spent on cooking has got reduced," he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government had been trying to ensure that there were no middlemen involved in this scheme and the beneficiaries were chosen through a transparent process.
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316 domestic LPG cylinders used for commercial purposes seized in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Department said on Saturday that authorities have seized 316 domestic LPG cylinders allegedly being used for commercial purposes across the state and registered cases against those involved.
Also, a case has been registered against a gas agency which was illegally refilling gas cylinders.
"Following the minister's (K H Muniyappa) instructions to take appropriate legal action if domestic cylinders are used for commercial purposes, cases have been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and seizures have been made across the state, including 45 in Peenya and 209 in Chikkajala of Bengaluru, 3 in Shivamogga district, 46 in Davanagere and 13 in Yadgir district," the department said in a release.
Similarly, a case has been registered against a gas agency shop in KGF, Kolar district, which was conducting illegal refilling of gas cylinders, it said.
As per the central government guidelines, 20 per cent of the total commercial cylinders will be distributed to hospitals, schools, educational institutions, airports, railway stations, bus stands, canteens, important temples for distribution of prasad, government offices, old age homes, and important private sector offices on priority, the department said.
Further, it said that a total of 3,86,363 domestic cylinders (14.2 kg) and 6,371 commercial cylinders have been distributed across the state today. Steps have been taken to ensure that there is no problem with the supply of domestic cylinders, it added.
