Distributors caution on targets in LPG rollout
LPG distributors have raised serious concerns
regarding the government’s haste in implementing the targets set under the
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) which is aimed at providing poor
households with LPG connections, saying that rushed implementation could
compromise the safety of the recipients.
Background:
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had
recently issued a statement highlighting the steps it had been taking to ensure
the safety of the LPG cylinder recipients, saying that it has been providing
safety handouts, safety briefings at the time of installation and has been
organising safety melas and clinics to increase awareness.
- Following this, oil marketing companies had sent
letters to distributors exhorting them to meet the PMUY target of 3,000
registrations by September 30, 2016 “without fail” or face the
consequences, pressure that the distributors say only adds to the safety
hazard.
About the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:
Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana,
Rs.8,000 crore has been earmarked for providing 50 million LPG (liquefied
petroleum gas) connections to poor households.
- Each beneficiary will get financial support of
Rs.1,600 for securing an LPG connection.
- Eligible households will be identified in
consultation with state governments and Union territories.
- The scheme will be implemented over the next three
years.
- The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
