Government of Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister's Free LPG Cylinder Scheme Tamil Nadu 2026 – 6 Free Cylinders/Year
Objective
The Chief Minister's Free LPG Cylinder Scheme is part of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government's 'Ten Guarantees' election manifesto delivered by new Chief Minister Vijay. It provides 6 free LPG cylinders per year to approximately 1.5 crore eligible families in Tamil Nadu — reducing the cost burden of clean cooking fuel and eliminating dependence on firewood for low-income households.
Eligibility Criteria
- Families holding a valid Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System (TNPDS) ration card
- Applicable to BPL (yellow card) and AAY card holders primarily
- Must have an active LPG gas connection (or be eligible for a new one under UJJWALA/state scheme)
- Applicable across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu — urban and rural
- Existing LPG connection holders receive the 6 free cylinders via DBT subsidy; new applicants get free connection first
Benefits & Features
- 16 free LPG cylinders per year (1 free cylinder roughly every 2 months)
- 2Covers approximately 1.5 crore families across Tamil Nadu
- 3Subsidy credited directly to Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT
- 4New BPL applicants also get a free LPG connection and stove as part of the package
Required Documents
- Valid TNPDS ration card (yellow card / AAY card)
- Aadhaar card (linked to bank account)
- Bank account passbook (Aadhaar-linked for DBT)
- LPG consumer number (if existing connection)
- Passport-size photograph
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
| Who launched this LPG scheme — was it MK Stalin? | No. MK Stalin (DMK) resigned as Chief Minister on May 5, 2026 after losing the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Election. The new CM is Vijay of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), who took oath in May 2026. The 6 free cylinders/year scheme is part of Vijay's 'Ten Guarantees' manifesto and was implemented after TVK came to power. |
| How many free cylinders do I get per year? | 6 free LPG cylinders per year — roughly one free cylinder every two months. This is part of CM Vijay's (TVK) election promise to reduce the cost of living for Tamil Nadu families. |
| I already have an LPG connection. Do I need to apply again? | Likely no — if your ration card is registered in TNPDS and your Aadhaar is linked to your bank, the subsidy should be applied automatically when you book refills. Verify your eligibility at tnpds.gov.in or call 1967. |
| What is the difference between this scheme and PM UJJWALA Yojana? | PM UJJWALA is a central government scheme that gives a free LPG connection to BPL women. This state scheme from CM Vijay gives 6 free cylinder refills per year on top of having a connection. Both can be used together — you get the free connection from UJJWALA and the 6 free refills from this state scheme. |
Official Portal & Helpline
1What Is the CM's Free LPG Cylinder Scheme?
After Vijay of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was sworn in as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister in May 2026, one of the first major welfare deliveries of the new government was the free LPG cylinder scheme — part of the TVK party's "Ten Guarantees" election manifesto.
⚠️ This is not an MK Stalin or DMK scheme. MK Stalin's government ended after TMC lost the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. The current CM is Vijay (TVK).
The scheme provides 6 free LPG cylinders per year to approximately 1.5 crore eligible Tamil Nadu families, covering about one free cylinder every two months. The subsidy is transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT.
2What You Get
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Free cylinders | 6 per year (1 every ~2 months) |
| Families covered | ~1.5 crore |
| Payment mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| New BPL applicants | Free connection + stove + initial 2 cylinders |
3Who Is Eligible?
- Hold a valid TNPDS ration card (yellow card / AAY card preferred)
- Aadhaar linked to bank account for DBT
- Active LPG connection, or eligible for a new connection
- Applicable in all 38 districts — rural and urban
If you had an existing LPG connection under the previous DMK-era scheme, your eligibility carries over under the new TVK government scheme.
4How to Get the Benefit
If you already have an LPG connection:
- Confirm Aadhaar is linked to your bank
- Confirm ration card is active in TNPDS
- Book refills normally — the subsidy for 6 cylinders/year is auto-credited
If you need a new connection:
- Visit your nearest Fair Price Shop (Ration Shop)
- Apply for the CM's Free LPG Connection (form available at shop)
- Provide ration card, Aadhaar, bank details
- LPG agency contacts you for installation (2–4 weeks)
- First 2 cylinders and stove are free on installation
Online: Apply or check at tnpds.gov.in
5TVK's Broader Women Welfare Push
The free LPG scheme was announced as part of a broader package that also includes:
- Free bus travel for women on state government buses
- ₹2,500/month financial assistance for eligible women
- Free electricity units for households
These were all part of Vijay's "Ten Guarantees" campaign that won TVK the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
6Helpline
For queries or connection issues: 1967 (Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation helpline)