In a move aimed at supporting women and promoting environmental health, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has announced a reduction of ₹100 in the prices of LPG cylinders on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The decision, which aligns with the government’s commitment to empowering women and ensuring their ease of living, is expected to positively impact millions of households across the country.
Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post, emphasized the significance of making cooking gas more affordable, stating that it would not only support the well-being of families but also contribute to a healthier environment. The reduction in LPG prices is particularly aimed at easing the financial burden on households, especially benefiting women, or ‘Nari Shakti,’ as the Prime Minister referred to them.
Today, on Women’s Day, our Government has decided to reduce LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting our Nari Shakti.
By making cooking gas more affordable, we also aim…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2024
The government’s move comes as part of a series of initiatives aimed at supporting women across various sectors. Last year, the government increased the subsidy on LPG cylinders from ₹200 to ₹300 per cylinder, providing relief to households for up to 12 refills per year. This subsidy extension, coupled with the reduction in prices, is estimated to benefit nearly 10 crore families, with an expected expenditure of ₹12,000 crore for the government.
Furthermore, the government’s commitment to women empowerment extends beyond economic measures. Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for the strength, courage, and resilience of women across the nation, pledging continued support through initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and techn
ology.
Criticisms amid reduction in LPG prices
However, amidst the announcement, there has been criticism from certain feminist groups and individuals on social media. Some have raised concerns about reinforcing gender stereotypes by associating women primarily with household chores like cooking. They argue that such initiatives should focus on broader gender equality rather than reinforcing traditional gender roles.
Despite criticisms, the government’s decision to reduce LPG cylinder prices on International Women’s Day reflects a commitment to addressing the practical needs of women while also acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society. As the nation commemorates the achievements of women and strives for gender equality, initiatives like these serve as significant steps towards a more inclusive and empowered society.
