Patna: Oil marketing companies have begun sending messages to domestic LPG consumers who file income tax returns (ITR) of Rs 10 lakh or more, requesting them to voluntarily opt out of the cooking gas subsidy, officials and distributors said.
The messages, reaching mobile phones across Bihar including Patna, appeal to higher-income households to forgo government support on LPG cylinders, in line with the Centre’s push to better target subsidies.
According to oil company communications, the aim is to ensure that LPG subsidy benefits are reserved for economically weaker households. Consumers with higher declared incomes, particularly those filing annual ITRs above Rs 10 lakh, are being encouraged to “give it up” voluntarily.
Gas agency operators said they have been receiving queries from consumers who are unsure why they have received such messages and are seeking guidance on the process for opting out of the subsidy.
Under the ongoing “Give It Up” initiative, oil companies are also informing consumers through both online and offline channels about the voluntary surrender mechanism.
The central government had earlier launched the campaign urging financially capable households to relinquish their LPG subsidy. Savings generated from the initiative have reportedly been redirected to welfare schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free or subsidised LPG connections to low-income families.
