How Have Aadhaar Checks Prevented LPG Subsidy Diversion to 4.08 Crore Fraudulent Claimants?
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Synopsis
The Aadhaar-based authentication under the PAHAL scheme has effectively tackled fraudulent LPG connections, saving the subsidy system from misuse. With over 4 crore fraudulent claims blocked, the government continues to improve its identification processes, ensuring that benefits are delivered to the right beneficiaries. Discover the impact of these measures on subsidy distribution.
Key Takeaways
- Aadhaar checks have successfully blocked 4.08 crore fraudulent LPG connections.
- 92.44% of active LPG consumers are now Aadhaar compliant.
- Biometric verification is mandatory for new PMUY consumers.
- The Common LPG Database Platform aids in eliminating duplicate connections.
- The DBTL-PAHAL scheme has garnered high satisfaction rates among beneficiaries.
New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Aadhaar-based authentication system implemented under the PAHAL initiative for the direct transfer of LPG subsidies has been pivotal in pinpointing and eliminating ghost accounts, duplicate accounts, and inactive connections. This has significantly reduced the misuse of subsidised LPG for commercial purposes, as highlighted by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, in a statement to Parliament on Tuesday.
As of July 1 this year, 4.08 crore fraudulent, duplicate, and inactive LPG connections have been blocked, suspended, or deactivated, according to the minister's written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Puri explained that the Aadhaar-based authentication for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes allows for precise, real-time, and cost-efficient identification, authentication, and removal of duplicate beneficiaries, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients. The government has instructed public sector oil marketing firms to carry out and finalize biometric Aadhaar verification for PMUY and PAHAL beneficiaries.
He noted that efforts have been intensively focused on ensuring all consumers are Aadhaar Transfer Compliant. As of July 1, 92.44% of active LPG consumers out of a total of 33.05 crore have their Aadhaar integrated into the oil companies' database. Additionally, approximately 86.78% of the total 30.63 crore DBTL consumers are compliant with Aadhaar Transfer.
Furthermore, biometric Aadhaar verification has been successfully completed for 67% of existing PMUY beneficiaries as of July 1 this year. All new PMUY consumers are required to undergo biometric authentication before their connections are activated, the minister stated.
Puri also revealed that the government has launched the Common LPG Database Platform, which effectively identifies and eliminates duplicate connections within the LPG database. This deduplication process uses Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, AHL TIN, ration card information, names, and addresses as key identifiers.
He emphasized that PAHAL facilitates the distribution of targeted subsidy benefits to PMUY consumers. Multiple measures have been implemented to guarantee that these benefits are delivered efficiently and promptly to the appropriate beneficiaries.
Since its inception, extensive deduplication efforts have led to the termination of 8.49 lakh PMUY connections. In January 2025, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was established for removing PMUY consumers who had not utilized any refills post-connection installation. Under this SOP, about 12,000 inactive PMUY connections have been terminated, according to the minister.
The Minister also mentioned that numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of the DBTL-PAHAL scheme. A thorough third-party assessment by the Research and Development Initiative (RDI) revealed that over 90% of respondents were satisfied with the subsidy reimbursement process. The report suggests enhancing the subsidy payment framework, improving grievance resolution systems, and refining targeting by restricting subsidies to economically disadvantaged sections.
Point of View
The measures taken to address fraudulent LPG subsidy claims through Aadhaar integration are commendable. Such initiatives reflect a commitment to transparency and efficiency in public welfare programs, ensuring that subsidies benefit the intended populations. However, continued vigilance and improvements in grievance redressal mechanisms are essential to uphold trust in these systems.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LPG connections have been blocked due to fraud?
As of July 1, 4.08 crore duplicate, fake, and inactive LPG connections have been blocked, suspended, or deactivated.
What role does Aadhaar play in the PAHAL scheme?
Aadhaar facilitates accurate identification and authentication of beneficiaries, preventing the diversion of subsidised LPG.
What percentage of active LPG consumers are Aadhaar compliant?
As of July 1, 92.44% of active LPG consumers have their Aadhaar linked to the database.
What measures are in place for new PMUY consumers?
All new PMUY consumers must undergo biometric authentication before their connections are activated.
What has been the impact of the DBTL-PAHAL scheme?
A comprehensive evaluation found that over 90% of respondents were satisfied with the subsidy reimbursement mechanism.
