The deadline to register for a direct cash subsidy through the Pahal scheme on your liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders is fast approaching. The scheme, which was first launched in 54 districts, has been extended to all districts across the country from January 1 this year. Until end-March 2015, you will still get your cylinders at subsidised prices if you haven’t joined the scheme. Then there is the ‘grace period’ from April to June 30 when you will get cylinders only at market prices. The subsidy due to you will be held with the oil marketing company you are buying from, and this amount will be transferred to you once you sign up. Those joining the scheme after July 1 won’t get this retrospective subsidy. And if you don’t join at all, well, you will be paying market prices.

But for those in the initial 54 districts where the scheme was rolled out, the dates are different. Cylinders will not be sold at the subsidised price from February 14, 2015. The grace period ends on May 15. A one-time permanent advance will be paid to all customers whenever they sign up.

Enrolment process Enrolment is a simple affair for Aadhar card holders, provided you have linked your bank account to your Aadhar number. You just need to fill up a form that asks for details such as the name of your LPG distributor, your 17-digit LPG ID, and your registered mobile number. You can get the form from www.mylpg.in .

Submit this form, along with a copy of your Aadhar allotment letter, to your LPG distributor. Also, submit a photocopy of your direct gas connection booklet and an address proof. Collect your acknowledgement slip and you should receive the one-time permanent advance. Subsequent subsidy payments will be made every time you book a replacement cylinder.

In case you don’t have an Aadhar card, the procedure is as simple. You have the option of submitting the appropriate form — downloaded from the same website — to your bank instead of the LPG distributor. But remember to check if your bank has been pre-approved by the Petroleum Ministry.

While the form to be submitted to the bank only asks for a copy of your LPG booklet, the form that must be given to LPG distributors asks for a photocopy of the front page of your bank passbook or a cancelled cheque leaf, and a photocopy of your LPG booklet or your last payment receipt. However, it’s best to carry with you photocopies of both documents to avoid any possibility of being asked to come again.

Opting out In case you choose to forego the subsidy, there’s a form that you need to fill out as well and that’s for opting out of the subsidy. This is to ensure that the subsidy is not misused or doesn’t go to the wrong hands.

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