Punjab lines up more freebies, to cost Rs 145 cr
Amaninder Pal
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 14
Taking another populist step in the election year, the SAD-BJP alliance is all set to add a financial burden of Rs 145 crore on the state exchequer by distributing around five lakh LPG chullahs (stoves) and the same number of sewing machines among women belonging to the below poverty line (BPL) families.
While schemes like subsidised wheat and pulses (Atta-Dal) for poor families and free bicycles for girl students are already operational, it will be for the first time that the state government will distribute LPG stoves.
Interestingly, the scheme was not part of the 2016-17 annual budget passed by the state Assembly. After directions from the state government, the Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children has finalised a draft of the scheme and has already submitted it to the Department of Finance to get its nod for financial clearance.
Sources said the government would spend around Rs 120 crore and Rs 25 crore for the purchase of sewing machines and LPG single-burner stoves, respectively.
Anurag Aggarwal, Secretary of the department, refused to comment on the issue. However, a senior officer, requesting anonymity, said, “The draft proposal has already been submitted to the Department of Finance, which is likely to give financial clearance to the scheme in a couple of days. The plan is to distribute the equipment among 5.25 lakh women, who are yellow card holders (BPL families).”
The draft mentions that while distribution of sewing machines will help create self-employment, LPG stoves will help in uplifting the living standard and will also have ecological benefits.
