The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for availing cooking gas (LPG) subsidies but has given two months grace period for citizens to get the unique identification number.

The government currently gives 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidised rates per household in a year. The subsidy on every cylinder is transferred in advance directly into bank accounts of individuals, who then buy the cooking fuel at market rates.

“Individuals desirous of availing LPG subsidies are hereby required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar or undergo Aadhaar authentication,” an Oil Ministry order said.

For those not yet having Aadhaar, it gave time till November 30, 2016 to make application for enrolment for the unique identification number. Oil marketing companies have been asked to facilitate enrolments.

Till the time Aadhaar is assigned, LPG subsidy would be transferred based on bank photo passbook and Aadhaar enrolment ID slip or voter ID card or ration card or kisan photo passbook or passport or driver licence along with a copy of request for Aadhaar enrolment.

Undertaking required

Also, an undertaking in a set format has to be given that the individual is not availing LPG subsidy under some other consumer number of an oil marketing company, the order said. “This notification shall take effect immediately in all States except in Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir.”

The Ministry said use of Aadhaar as identifier for delivery of services/benefits/subsidies simplified the government delivery processes, brought in transparency and efficiency, and enabled beneficiaries to get their entitlements directly.

“Aadhaar obviates the need for producing multiple documents to prove one’s identity.”