The Centre has reduced the number of subsidised cooking gas cylinders available each year to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), bringing the entitlement down to four cylinders annually from the previous limit of nine. The decision was announced by a senior government official, who said the revised quota reflects the average LPG consumption pattern among beneficiaries.

PMUY, launched in 2016, provides LPG connections to women from economically weaker households to encourage the use of cleaner cooking fuel. At the time of its launch, beneficiaries were eligible for up to 12 subsidised 14.2-kg LPG cylinders every year. The quota was reduced to nine cylinders last year and has now been lowered further to four.

Government cites consumption patterns

Speaking at a media briefing, Petroleum Ministry Additional Secretary Praveen Mal Khanooja said the revised entitlement broadly corresponds to the average annual LPG usage recorded among Ujjwala households.

The government continues to provide a subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2-kg cylinder to eligible PMUY consumers. The subsidy amount is transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts after the purchase of a refill. The assistance was first introduced at Rs 200 per cylinder in May 2022 and was increased to Rs 300 in October 2023.

LPG prices rise

The policy change comes shortly after a rise in domestic LPG prices. A 14.2-kg household LPG cylinder became costlier by Rs 29 earlier this month, taking the retail price in Delhi to Rs 942. For PMUY beneficiaries, the effective cost after the Rs 300 subsidy is Rs 642 per cylinder.

Government officials have also pointed to increasing financial pressure on oil marketing companies, which are reportedly facing substantial losses on domestic LPG sales despite the recent price increase.

Impact on beneficiaries

With the latest revision, PMUY beneficiaries will receive subsidy support on only the first four LPG refills purchased during a year. The government maintains that the revised limit is sufficient to meet the average consumption needs of beneficiary households, though the decision is expected to affect millions of families enrolled under the scheme.

Popular educator Faisal Khan, widely known as Khan Sir, has received interim protection from arrest from a Patna court in connection with a firing case linked to his coaching institute.

The relief comes days after an FIR was registered against Khan Sir following a violent incident outside his coaching centre in Patna. The case relates to allegations that security personnel associated with the institute opened fire during a clash that erupted near the premises earlier this month.

According to reports, the court has temporarily stayed coercive action against Khan Sir while legal proceedings continue. The protection provides him relief from immediate arrest as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Background of the case

The controversy began after a confrontation near Khan Sir’s coaching institute in Patna’s Kadamkuan area. Videos circulating on social media allegedly showed security guards firing shots during the disturbance. Following the incident, Bihar Police detained two security guards and launched an investigation.

Police later registered a case against Khan Sir under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act after statements recorded during the investigation. Authorities have maintained that the probe is ongoing and further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.

Khan Sir has denied any wrongdoing and previously maintained that the firing occurred in self-defence during a violent attack on the coaching institute. He has also alleged that the incident was part of a larger conspiracy against his institution, though investigators have not publicly confirmed such claims.

The court’s interim protection does not amount to a final verdict on the case. The investigation and related legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming days.

Barely days after taking charge as Karnataka Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar is grappling with mounting dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks over cabinet formation and portfolio allocation.

Several legislators who were left out of the ministry, along with some unhappy over the departments assigned to them, have reportedly approached the party’s central leadership in New Delhi, creating a fresh headache for the new chief minister. The unrest comes at a time when Shivakumar is attempting to stabilize his administration following a major leadership transition in the state.

Cabinet formation sparks discontent

The Congress government in Karnataka was sworn in earlier this month with Shivakumar taking oath as chief minister along with a limited set of ministers. The cabinet still has several vacancies, leaving many legislators hopeful of a future berth.

However, the exclusion of several senior leaders and dissatisfaction over portfolio distribution have triggered lobbying efforts in Delhi. The issue adds to the political challenges facing Shivakumar as he seeks to balance regional, caste and factional interests within the ruling party.

Recent controversies add pressure

The latest developments come after a series of cabinet-related controversies. Senior leader Ramalinga Reddy had earlier expressed unhappiness over portfolio allocation, while Krishna Byre Gowda also raised concerns regarding responsibilities linked to his department. These episodes have highlighted internal tensions within the Congress government.

Shivakumar has also faced criticism over the absence of women in the first phase of cabinet formation, though he has indicated that future expansions could address representation concerns.

Delhi leadership likely to play key role

With multiple aspirants reportedly reaching out to the party high command, the Congress leadership may have to step in to manage competing demands and prevent factional tensions from escalating. The handling of cabinet expansion and portfolio adjustments is expected to be closely watched in the coming weeks.

For Shivakumar, who recently achieved his long-standing ambition of becoming chief minister, managing internal expectations may prove as important as governing the state itself.