Govt Strengthens PAHAL LPG Subsidy Framework with Biometric Verification, Database Cleanup and Improved Grievance System

A centralized digital platform has been introduced to identify and block duplicate, inactive, and fraudulent LPG connections.

The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in LPG subsidy distribution under the Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL)-PAHAL Scheme, which has been operational since January 2015. The scheme ensures that all domestic LPG cylinders are sold at a uniform Retail Selling Price (RSP), with applicable subsidies directly transferred to eligible consumers’ bank accounts.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the PAHAL initiative has significantly modernized LPG subsidy delivery by eliminating leakages, improving accountability, and ensuring subsidies reach genuine beneficiaries—particularly households under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

---

Major Improvements Under the PAHAL Scheme

1. Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP) to Remove Duplicate Accounts

A centralized digital platform has been introduced to identify and block duplicate, inactive, and fraudulent LPG connections. The system cross-verifies beneficiary records using:

• Aadhaar number

• Bank details

• Household ID

• Ration card

• Name and address matching

This process has helped prevent misuse and ensured subsidies are directed only to legitimate consumers.

---

2. Aadhaar-Based Biometric Verification

To strengthen authentication and prevent identity fraud, the Government mandated biometric verification for PMUY and PAHAL beneficiaries. As of 1 November 2025, biometric verification has been completed for 69% of existing PMUY users, while all new beneficiaries undergo authentication before receiving their LPG connection.

---

3. Termination of Ineligible Connections

Since the launch of PAHAL, extensive verification has resulted in the termination of:

• 8.63 lakh ineligible PMUY connections

• 20,000 inactive beneficiaries removed since January 2025, following a standardized review framework.

This ensures that subsidy benefits are reserved strictly for economically weaker and eligible households.

---

4. Beneficiary Feedback and Third-Party Evaluation

An independent review by the Research and Development Initiative (RDI) found that over 90% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the subsidy reimbursement system. The study recommended further enhancements, including:

• Improved grievance redress mechanisms

• Stronger infrastructure for subsidy processing

• Better safety training and multilingual awareness campaigns

The government has begun implementing these recommendations.

---

Strengthened Grievance Redress System

Consumers now have multiple platforms to report issues and track resolutions, including:

• Toll-free helpline: 1800-2333-555

• LPG distributor offices

• OMCs' official apps and websites

• CPGRAMS portal

• WhatsApp support and social media channels

• Dedicated LPG emergency line: 1906

Consumers also have the option to reopen cases if dissatisfied with the resolution.

---

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi, informed the Rajya Sabha that ongoing reforms aim to make subsidy delivery more transparent, inclusive, and consumer-friendly, while ensuring proper use of LPG across the country.