Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], November 1 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited Edupuram in Srikakulam district on Friday to launch the Deepam 2.0 scheme, distributing free gas cylinders to women.
During his visit, Naidu personally handed over a free gas cylinder to a woman and lit her stove, even preparing tea at the residence of beneficiary Santhamma.
Naidu was accompanied by Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and state ministers Nadendla Manohar and Achchennayudu.
This initiative aims to empower women by providing access to clean cooking energy. The Deepam scheme is part of Naidu’s efforts to improve living conditions in Andhra Pradesh.
“We are delighted to launch the scheme offering three free cooking gas cylinders per year in Idupuram, Srikakulam district, fulfilling one of our ‘Super 6’ election promises. The joy on the faces of women receiving these free gas cylinders was deeply satisfying. It was particularly heartening to see that Shanthamma, who received a free gas cylinder today, had also benefited from the Deepam 1 scheme I introduced previously,” Naidu wrote in a post on X.
“My best wishes to all beneficiaries of the free cooking gas scheme. My aim is to bring a meaningful change to the lives of women by eliminating smoke from kitchens and reducing financial burdens. Helping women and girls has always been a priority… their happiness and blessings mean everything to me,” Naidu wrote on X.
In a commitment to the Andhra Pradesh electorate, Naidu had promised to provide Rs 1,500 per month to every woman, three free gas cylinders annually, and free bus travel for women on state-run RTC buses.
“We will provide Rs 15,000 annually to each school-going student through ‘Thalliki Vandhanam’. Every woman will receive Rs 1,500 monthly through ‘Aadabidda Nidhi’. Under the ‘Deepam Scheme’, three free gas cylinders per year will be given, along with free RTC bus travel for women,” Naidu said at a public meeting in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
On his dedicated efforts for women’s empowerment in the state, the Telugu Desam chief stated, “My commitment extends not only to the state’s progress but also to ensuring the security and future of its women.”
The Deepam 2.0 scheme in Andhra Pradesh aims to assist women in acquiring and managing gas connections. It promotes clean cooking fuel, enhancing health and safety in households by reducing reliance on traditional cooking methods. Through this scheme, eligible women receive subsidies to cover the costs of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections and equipment. (ANI)
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