Govt launches SAHAJ for online release of LPG connections

After successfully launching PAHAL - DBTL scheme, the Government on Sunday launched SAHAJ - a scheme for <g data-gr-id="42">online</g> release of new LPG connection for the consumer, a part of its consumer-friendly initiatives. Launching the scheme in the Capital, <g data-gr-id="41">Petroleum</g> and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Under the scheme, people can apply online for <g data-gr-id="38">new</g> connection and they need not <g data-gr-id="39">visit to</g> the LPG distributors for it. The scheme has also been launched in twelve other cities. It ensures that experience for the consumer is done in a transparent and hassle-free manner.”  

The cities are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, <g data-gr-id="35">Patna</g> and Pune. The minister also interacted with state government officials, distributors and beneficiaries of the scheme, from each of these states, through video-conferencing during the event.

Prospective consumers can log onto www.mylpg.in to register for and book new LPG connections, as well as make payments for the purchase online.  When asked if Aadhar will be mandatory for the online verification of the consumer, the minister said, “Aadhar will not be made mandatory for identity verification, it can be provided as one of the <g data-gr-id="34">documents</g> but it is not compulsory.” He <g data-gr-id="31">said,</g> the distributors cannot force the consumer to purchase <g data-gr-id="29">gas</g> stove from their stores and it will depend on customer’s choice. He said the scheme will be extended to other parts of the country in near future. Speaking on the Prime Minister’s appeal of giving up the <g data-gr-id="26">subsidised</g> LPG connection, the minister informed that around 25 lakh connections have been surrendered since January 2015. He also said, 22 lakh new connections have been issued to BPL families in lieu of the surrendered connections.