T. Ramakrishnan For 2008-2009, the government proposes to give eight lakh connections CHENNAI: The State government is yet to receive the Centre's sanction for eight lakh LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections, proposed to be given in the current financial year, under its free LPG connection scheme. For 2008-2009, the State government proposes to give eight lakh connections with two-burner gas stoves. It has set apart Rs.160 crore. Informally, officials of the Union Petroleum Ministry have indicated their consent to senior State government officials, but no allotment order has come from the Centre yet, according to an official in the State Food Department. Even for financial year of 2007-2008, the State government could distribute only 6.47 lakh connections against the target of eight lakhs, the official said, responding to reports of freeze on new LPG connections. Launched in January 2007, the scheme is meant for families that do not have LPG connections. It envisages provision of energy security to households, particularly rural ones, and relieve women from the drudgery of using fuel such as firewood and cow dung. At the time of its launch, the scheme had a target of distributing three lakh double-burner gas stoves with free LPG connection at a cost of Rs.60 crore. From the second year, the target was increased to eight lakhs.