JK govt approves six free LPG refills for AAY families; BJP opposes move

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a scheme to provide six free LPG cylinders annually to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

However,  Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, while questioning the government’s announcement, said this is cheating with the poor people of Jammu and Kashmir,

Sharma challenged the government over the implementation of the promised benefit, which is proposed to be delivered to eligible beneficiaries through Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The government has said the modalities of the scheme are still being worked out.

Speaking in the House, Sharma questioned when AAY families would actually receive the benefit and sought clarity on the status of the scheme.

“Today, they will mislead people with six cylinders. And they won’t even get six cylinders,” he said.

The BJP opposed the move in the Assembly, leading to disruptions as members raised slogans and objections over the issue.

Sharma also questioned the government over other commitments, including the earlier promise of providing 24 LPG cylinders and one lakh jobs.

“Where have your last 24 cylinders gone? Give an account,” he said, while also seeking an explanation over the promise of one lakh jobs.

The LoP further questioned the government over previous announcements related to artificial intelligence and other policy measures, asking what had happened to the commitments made earlier.

“Where have all these promises you have made gone now?” Sharma said.