Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, transferred ₹141.88 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 15 lakh eligible ration cardholder families under a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme covering the cost of free LPG cylinders. The disbursement was announced at a formal event held at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, where symbolic cheques were also presented to select beneficiaries.

Scale of the Transfer

The funds — amounting to ₹141.88 crore — were routed through DBT to ensure direct, traceable delivery to 15 lakh ration cardholders across the capital. Delhi Government Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, speaking to reporters after the event, confirmed that the money had already reached individual accounts. He also stated that this marks, in his words, the first time in nearly 27 years that Delhi has a government that works with integrity and is dedicated to serving the public — a remark that carries a clear political subtext directed at the previous administration.

Beneficiaries Respond

Anju, a resident of JJ Colony in Ashok Vihar, expressed her appreciation at the event: 'I am very happy, and I thank CM Rekha Gupta for inviting us here and honouring us.' Another beneficiary, Prem Lata, described the assistance as a 'wonderful gift on the occasion of Diwali' and hoped that welfare schemes for underprivileged communities would continue uninterrupted. Aarti Devi, a resident of Mandawali, specifically thanked both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Gupta, saying the Chief Minister had 'kept the promise she made to the public.'

Political Context

The event carries notable political significance. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi government has positioned free or subsidised LPG access as a flagship welfare promise, and the Diwali-season timing of the disbursement amplifies its public visibility. The direct bank transfer model is intended to eliminate leakage, a persistent criticism of older in-kind subsidy mechanisms. This is also consistent with the Centre's broader DBT push, which has already covered cooking gas subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana at the national level.

What Comes Next

Minister Sirsa indicated that the government intends to maintain these welfare transfers on a continuing basis. No specific schedule for future disbursements was announced at the event, but officials signalled that the scheme would remain active for eligible ration cardholders. With 15 lakh households already enrolled, advocacy groups are expected to push for broader coverage in the coming months.