Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approves distribution of three free gas cylinders from Diwali

The scheme is one of the 'Super Six' promises made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) during the elections.

Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister, Nadendla Manohar, announced the decision during a press briefing after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Manohar informed that the government will invest Rs 2,684 crore annually in the scheme. Beneficiaries will receive one cylinder every four months, with reimbursement credited within 48 hours of payment.

The state government has already implemented some of the other promises made during the elections. One such promise was the relaunch of Anna Canteen.

On Independence Day this year, the TDP relaunched the Anna Canteen in Gudivada.

At Anna Canteen, each meal is provided for Rs 5. Launching the scheme, CM Naidu said the canteens are a great help to the poor, daily-wage earners, and labourers.

"What greater satisfaction can there be than filling the empty stomachs of the poor?" Chandrababu Naidu remarked.

The Chief Minister announced that 203 such canteens will be launched across the state, with the total expenditure for maintaining these canteens amounting to Rs 53 lakh per day. "More and more people are showing interest in donating generously to the Anna Canteens, which were launched in memory of TDP founder, the late N.T. Rama Rao, and the renowned Dokka Seethamma," he added.

CM Naidu has also launched the Andhra Pradesh Aadabidda Nidhi scheme, under which every female resident of the state aged between 18 and 59 will receive a monthly financial assistance payment of Rs 1,500. (ANI)