SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said it has no proposal to provide 12 free LPG cylinders per household annually, but has instead announced six free cylinders per year for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, alongside rolling out an additional free ration scheme.
The information was provided in response to a starred Assembly question.
According to the government, six LPG cylinders per year will be provided free of cost to AAY households, marking a scaled-down intervention targeted at the most economically vulnerable category.
On food security, the government said a new scheme, ‘Providing of Additional Food Grains Free of Cost to AAY Households (SAAY)’, was launched in April 2025 to augment monthly food requirements. The scheme ensures that AAY households with four or more members receive additional food grains, capped at 10 kg per beneficiary per month under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The scheme is currently operational across all districts of Jammu division, covering a total of 37,412 AAY beneficiaries. District-wise figures include 10,351 beneficiaries in Jammu, 3,308 in Udhampur, 3,719 in Reasi, 4,961 in Doda, 2,329 in Ramban, 7,423 in Kishtwar, 6,594 in Rajouri and 5,799 in Poonch.
The government also provided indicative figures for Kashmir division, where major districts include 53,250 beneficiaries in Anantnag, 88,628 in Baramulla, 34,064 in Bandipora, 52,172 in Budgam, 18,685 in Ganderbal, 94,713 in Kupwara, 41,995 in Kulgam, 23,686 in Pulwama, 16,733 in Shopian and 49,864 in Srinagar.
On the issue of opening new Fair Price Shops (FPS), the government said no new outlets will be established until the Smart Public Distribution System (Smart PDS) is fully stabilised.
It said that while key systems such as ration card management, supply chain management and distribution platforms are operational, several components—including e-KYC saturation, grievance redressal systems, procurement portal and point-of-sale device upgrades—are still under process.
The government added that proposals for new FPS will be taken up only after completion of these processes, and will be formulated in accordance with S.O. 41 of 2023, taking into account population norms, geographical factors and existing coverage gaps.
It also said elected representatives will be consulted before finalising any expansion of subsidised ration outlets across Jammu and Kashmir. -(KL)
