The Government of Gujarat has introduced the PNG / LPG Sahay Yojana to provide affordable piped natural gas to families living below the poverty line (BPL). Under this initiative, the state government offers a one-time subsidy of Rs. 1,600 per connection for each qualifying BPL household. Additionally, the government provides a loan of Rs. 1,725 to applicants requiring a new PNG connection. If this program proves successful within the state, the government plans to implement this subsidy scheme nationwide.
What is the PNG / LPG Sahay Scheme 2026
The PNG / LPG Sahay Scheme serves as a supplement to the central Ujjwala Yojana. This initiative aims to completely phase out kerosene usage and supply cleaner cooking fuel to BPL families. Gujarat is the first state to launch such a PNG program specifically targeting AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) and BPL households in select urban regions.
Because the Ujjwala Yojana does not cover urban AAY/BPL households, this scheme acts as a vital addition. Initially, urban families in these categories will receive assistance through collaboration between city gas distribution firms and state-run oil marketing companies.
PNG / LPG Sahay Yojana - Subsidized PNG for BPL / AAY Families
The Chief Executive Officer of the state government serves as the primary nodal officer for the 2026 LPG / PNG Sahay Yojana. This initiative addresses the gaps left by the Ujjwala Yojana in urban areas, ensuring access to cleaner cooking energy. The state government initiated the project in the Bharuch District to eliminate kerosene reliance. Key features of this subsidized scheme include:
- Under this program, the state government covers a one-time connection subsidy of Rs. 1,600.
- A loan of Rs. 1,725 is provided to help customers afford a new PNG connection.
- Beneficiaries are only required to pay Rs. 118 upfront for a new connection, with a refundable security deposit of Rs. 50 per month over 100 months.
- The scheme leverages an existing 25,000 km pipeline network managed by city gas distribution (CGD) companies. Currently, 1.8 million households in Gujarat use PNG.
- Future phases of this pilot project will expand to additional districts and municipal corporations.
- The 2026 PNG / LPG Sahay Scheme is designed for BPL families residing in urban areas with established gas infrastructure.
This policy represents a significant step toward promoting cleaner cooking fuel alternatives. The Chief Minister has also introduced other initiatives, such as the Kabirvad Development Project, the Mukhyamantri Apprentice Yojana (offering a monthly stipend of Rs. 4,500), and the Sujlam Suflam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan focused on water conservation.
Source / Reference Link: https://cmogujarat.gov.in/en/photo_gallery/guj-cm-launches-cm-apprenticeship-scheme-png-lpg-sahay-yojana-bharuch/