Jammu & Kashmir Government to Provide Six Free LPG Cylinders to AAY Ration Card Holders
In a significant welfare announcement aimed at supporting the poorest households, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared that the UT government will provide six free LPG cooking gas cylinders per year to families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards. The announcement was made during the Budget 2026–27 presentation in the Legislative Assembly.
The initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden on economically vulnerable families and to promote the use of clean cooking fuel across the Union Territory. Rising household expenses and fuel costs have disproportionately affected low-income groups, and this measure seeks to provide direct relief.
Coverage Under AAY and NFSA
As of early February 2026, Jammu & Kashmir has a substantial population covered under food security schemes:
Total AAY ration cards: 220,049
Total NFSA ration cards: 1,648,580Share of AAY households: 13.34% of total NFSA beneficiaries
AAY households represent the poorest of the poor under the National Food Security Act and receive priority benefits under government welfare programs.
Key Features of the Free LPG Scheme
Under the announced scheme:
Every eligible AAY ration card holder will receive six LPG cylinders free of cost annually.
The benefit will be provided in addition to existing food grain entitlements under NFSA.The scheme focuses on energy security, household welfare, and health improvement, particularly for women.
Social and Economic Significance
The provision of free LPG cylinders is expected to:
Reduce dependence on traditional fuels such as firewood and coal.
Improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks caused by smoke inhalation.Ease financial stress on low-income families by lowering recurring household energy expenses.
Strengthen inclusive governance by extending welfare beyond food support.
Part of Broader Welfare Measures
This announcement forms part of a wider set of social welfare initiatives introduced in the Jammu & Kashmir Budget 2026–27, which emphasize poverty alleviation, social justice, and basic living security for vulnerable groups including AAY families.
Conclusion
The decision to provide six free LPG cylinders annually to AAY ration card holders marks an important step towards enhancing social protection in Jammu & Kashmir. By addressing both economic hardship and health concerns, the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the most disadvantaged sections of society.