The Government of India has launched many schemes over the years to help the common people. One such scheme is the PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstrakshit Labh) scheme. This scheme is also called the Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL) scheme. It is one of the biggest cash transfer programs in the world.
The main idea behind PAHAL is to send the LPG subsidy directly to the bank accounts of people. Earlier, people got LPG cylinders at a lower price, but there were many problems like black marketing, fake connections, and corruption. To stop these problems, the government started sending the subsidy amount directly to the bank accounts of the people. This makes the process simple, safe, and transparent.
In this article, we will learn everything about the PAHAL scheme – what it is, how it works, its benefits, how to join, and its impact on the Indian economy.
What is the PAHAL Scheme?
PAHAL stands for Pratyaksh Hanstrakshit Labh, which means “Direct and Protected Benefit”. It is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for LPG consumers.
Before this scheme, LPG cylinders were sold at a subsidized rate. The government paid the subsidy amount directly to the oil companies. But this system had many loopholes. Some people misused it and got multiple gas connections or used LPG cylinders for commercial use instead of household use.
To solve this issue, the government changed the method. Under PAHAL, LPG customers buy the cylinder at the market price (non-subsidized rate), and the subsidy amount is sent to their bank account after the delivery. This ensures that only the real users get the benefit and that there is no misuse.
Why was the PAHAL Scheme Introduced?
The government introduced this scheme to achieve the following goals:
- Reduce Leakage and Misuse: The earlier subsidy system had many fake connections. With PAHAL, only real and verified customers get the benefit.
- Increase Transparency: By transferring the money directly into the bank account, there is less chance of corruption and middlemen.
- Encourage Use of Bank Accounts: The scheme helped promote financial inclusion, as many people opened bank accounts to get the subsidy.
- Save Government Money: By removing fake users, the government saved a huge amount of money that could be used for other welfare schemes.
How Does the PAHAL Scheme Work?
The working process of the PAHAL scheme is very simple. Here is a step-by-step explanation:
- Register for PAHAL: The LPG customer must have an LPG connection and a bank account. The customer needs to link the Aadhaar number with the LPG ID and the bank account.
- Book the Cylinder: The customer books the LPG cylinder at the market price.
- Pay for Delivery: The customer pays the full price at the time of delivery.
- Get Subsidy in Bank Account: After successful delivery, the subsidy amount is sent to the customer’s linked bank account by the government.
This process is automatic once the customer is enrolled. The money usually comes within a few days of delivery.
Who Can Join the PAHAL Scheme?
Anyone who has an LPG connection from any of the three government oil companies can join the PAHAL scheme. These companies are:
- Indane Gas (by Indian Oil)
- Bharat Gas (by Bharat Petroleum)
- HP Gas (by Hindustan Petroleum)
To be eligible, the customer must:
- Have a valid LPG connection
- Have a bank account
- Link Aadhaar number to both bank account and LPG connection
How to Join the PAHAL Scheme?
Joining the PAHAL scheme is easy. Here’s how you can do it:
Option 1: With Aadhaar Number (Preferred Method)
- Link your Aadhaar number with your bank account.
- Link your Aadhaar number with your LPG connection.
- You can link Aadhaar via online, SMS, IVRS, or by submitting a form to the distributor.
Option 2: Without Aadhaar (Alternate Method)
If you don’t have Aadhaar, you can still get the subsidy by:
- Giving your bank account number and IFSC code to the LPG distributor.
- The subsidy will go to this account after booking the cylinder.
Benefits of the PAHAL Scheme
This scheme has many benefits for both the government and the public:
1. Direct Transfer of Money: People get the subsidy amount directly in their bank account. This reduces chances of fraud.
2. No Middlemen: There are no agents or middlemen involved. Everything is between the customer, the gas company, and the bank.
3. Saves Government Money: Because of reduced leakages and fake users, the government saves a lot of money.
4. Promotes Financial Inclusion: Many poor families opened bank accounts to receive subsidies, which helped them join the banking system.
5. Transparency and Accountability: Every transaction is recorded. Customers get SMS alerts and can track their subsidy online.
How Much Subsidy Do You Get?
The amount of subsidy is not fixed. It depends on the international price of LPG, the market rate in India, and the subsidy declared by the government.
As of recent times, the subsidy has been reduced or removed in some cities due to rising fuel prices and government policies. But many rural and poor families still receive the subsidy.
Success of the PAHAL Scheme
The PAHAL scheme is considered one of the most successful welfare schemes in India. Here are some highlights:
- Over 28 crore LPG customers enrolled.
- Over 14 crore Aadhaar numbers linked.
- Over Rs. 50,000 crore has been saved by the government by stopping fake connections.
- It helped in the “Give It Up” campaign, where many people gave up their subsidies voluntarily for the benefit of the poor.
How to Check Subsidy Status?
You can check the status of your subsidy by visiting the official websites of your gas provider:
- Indane: https://cx.indianoil.in
- Bharat Gas: https://my.ebharatgas.com
- HP Gas: https://myhpgas.in
You will need your LPG ID, consumer number, or registered mobile number.
How to Get Help for the Pahal Scheme?
If you face any issues, you can:
- Visit your nearest LPG distributor
- Call the customer care number of your gas company
- Use the PAHAL helpline or the gas provider’s complaint portal
Conclusion
The PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstrakshit Labh) Scheme is a great step taken by the Government of India to help the common man. It has made the LPG subsidy system more transparent, efficient, and corruption-free. By using technology and linking Aadhaar and bank accounts, the scheme has ensured that only the right people get the benefits.
It has also saved thousands of crores of rupees for the government, which can now be used for other development schemes. The PAHAL scheme is a shining example of how digital systems can make welfare schemes better for everyone.
If you haven’t yet joined the PAHAL scheme, it’s a good idea to link your Aadhaar and bank account with your LPG connection and start getting your subsidy directly into your account.