JK News Today: Big on Words, Short on Gas: NC Govt’s ‘New Year gift’ still missing
JK News Today: As the National Conference (NC) returned to power after a prolonged phase of presidential rule in Jammu and Kashmir, there was renewed hope among the economically weaker sections that the party would act swiftly on its key electoral promise ñ providing 12 free cooking gas cylinders per year to poor families.
But nearly eight months into its rule, the promise remains in limbo, with no formal announcement or budgetary backing.
Shortly after the new government took charge, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, told reporters in Srinagar on November 2 that enhanced ration quotas and 12 free LPG cylinders would be announced as a ìNew Year gift for the people.
We are going to announce the New Year gift for the people of J&K, Sharma said. additional ration and 12 cylinders will be announced on the eve of the New Year.
The statement had generated optimism across J&K, particularly among struggling families who saw it as much-needed relief from rising fuel costs.
The scheme had also been prominently featured in the NC is election manifesto. However, during the Legislative Assembly session in March 2025, the government clarified that the proposal to provide 12 free cylinders annually was still under review.
In a written response to a question posed by Peoples Conference (PC) MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister Satish Sharma said that the issue of providing free LPG cylinders was under examination and that efforts were being made to fulfil the commitment.
But behind the scenes, financial concerns are holding up the proposal.
Speaking off the record, a senior government functionary said there is no formal plan in place yet.
It has financial implications. There is no proposal as of now. The government has to keep a budget provision for providing 12 gas cylinders, which implies that each EWS family would need support worth around Rs 10,000 annually, the official said.
With thousands of potential beneficiaries, the total cost of the scheme could run into hundreds of crores ñ an expenditure the administration has yet to accommodate.
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