Govt eyes ending schemes, including PAHAL, with wasteful expenditures

The PAHAL scheme, launched in 2013, is aimed at reduce diversion and eliminate duplicate or bogus LPG connections

As part of a larger initiative to cut inefficiencies and wasteful expenditure, the Centre is taking a hard look at schemes, which it feels can no longer serve their purpose. One of them that could be abolished is the PAHAL scheme, Business Standard has learnt.

The scheme, launched in 2013, aims to reduce diversion and eliminate duplicate or bogus LPG connections. Under this scheme, LPG cylinders are sold at market rates and entitled consumers get the subsidy directly into their bank accounts from oil marketing companies (OMCs).

“The idea was for customers to voluntarily give up their subsidies,