Domestic LPG consumers whose bank accounts are linked with their gas connections will now have to buy their cylinders at the market price (Rs 746 in Calcutta) and get the government subsidy (Rs 327) transferred directly to their accounts.

Earlier called the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme and now Pahal (Pratyaksh Hanstantarit Labh), the system is meant to ensure that the subsidy reaches genuine customers.

As in any new system, Pahal, in effect from Thursday, has generated its share of debate and doubts. Metro tries to answer some of them.

What was the system earlier?

Till Wednesday, consumers in the city had to pay a subsidised amount of Rs 419 for the first nine 14.2kg cylinders. Post nine, cylinders had to be bought at the market price.

What is the system now?

A consumer has to buy cylinders at market price throughout the year. However, for the first 12 bookings, the government subsidy, depending upon the market price of a cylinder on the booking date, will be transferred to the consumer's bank account when an order is placed for a refill. If the market price changes between the time of booking and delivery, the subsidised amount will be adjusted with the next payment.

What do consumers need to do to avail themselves of the system?

A consumer has to fill up two forms linking his or her bank account with the gas connection and submit them to the bank as well as the dealer. Once the link is made, the consumer would receive a text as well as an email from the gas company notifying the update.

Where can I find the forms?

The forms can be either picked up from the distributor or downloaded from www.rasf.uidai.gov.in .

Do I need to visit the distributor at all?

One can join the direct benefit transfer scheme in any of the following ways:

• By hand: Download the forms from www.mylpg.in and submit them to the distributor.
• Via call centre: Call 1800-2333-555 and register the Aadhar number.
• On web: Click on www.rasf.uidai.gov.in and follow the procedure.

However, one will have to visit the bank and submit the form in person.

Is there any specific period to visit the distributor?

A consumer can visit the distributor's office anytime during office hours on a weekday.

Does one need to pay the distributor for registration?

No, not even for the forms. Some unscrupulous distributors in areas like Howrah and the northern fringe of the city, have been allegedly charging anything between Rs 15 and Rs 25 from each consumer for the linking process. In such cases, consumers must immediately lodge complaints with police.

Is Aadhar mandatory for the system?

No. Even if a consumer does not have an Aadhar number, he or she can opt for the system by submitting banking details to the dealer and the 17-digit unique LPG ID to the bank. However, consumers are advised to update the Aadhar number as soon as they get it.

Is there any deadline for registering with the system?

The deadline is already over. However, the government has given a grace period till March 31, during which consumers who have not linked their bank and gas accounts will continue to pay the subsidised rate at the time of delivery. After March, all consumers, irrespective of direct benefit registration, would be charged the market price.

There is an additional period of three months, called 'parking period', during which an unregistered consumer's subsidy amount would be kept with the government and if he completes registration within June 30, the entire parking amount would be transferred to his account at one go.

What if one doesn't have a bank account?

To get the subsidy, a bank account in the name of the consumer is a must.

How can one check direct benefit transfer status?

Log in to www.mylpg.in or visit the distributor.

What if one doesn't enrol in the system?

From April 1, a consumer who has not registered to be part of the direct-benefit system will get LPG cylinders at the unsubsidised market price.

Have you faced any problem in registering for Pahal? Tell ttmetro@abpmail.com