Centre has launched the sale of subsidised 5-kg LPG cylinders for BPL families and others. Launching the service at a function in Salia Sahi slum area in Bhubaneswar yesterday, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also announced Centre's plan to introduce smaller cooking gas cylinders weighing even one and two kgs. The Minister launched the scheme as part of the oil companies' Corporate social responsibility activities to cover BPL population in urban areas. The facility is a part of the welfare programmes being undertaken by Narendra Modi Government. Mr Pradhan said, LPG being a cleaner fuel, helps in creating better and smoke less cooking environment and it will greatly help women's health.

Under the pilot scheme, a BPL family would be provided with LPG connection while there would be no requirement of paying security deposit and cost of pressure regulator. The Minister encouraged people to take advantage of the scheme which is available till March 31. Mr Pradhan also launched the sale of 5-kg cylinders under Free Trade LPG scheme in Odisha state's capital to cater the LPG requirement for all sections of the society including the economically weaker section, student, migrant labourers who do not have proof of address due to their short stay in a particular place. Stating that the scheme is aimed at increasing the usage of LPG, cleaner cooking fuel by households, Mr Pradhan said this will enable customers to be more affordable and easily available to all sections of the society.