Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 3: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today directed LPG dealers of the State to provide new LPG connections strictly on the rates already fixed by all the oil companies.
He directed the concerned authorities to cancel the licenses and take steps for prosecution under relevant law, if any dealer found charging the exorbitant rates while issuing new LPG connections. He also asked the oil companies to initiate action against such LPG dealers.
The Minister said this while addressing an officers meeting of CA&PD, Transport and Legal Metrology Departments here today.
Maintaining that issuance of new subsidized gas connections is mandatory for every gas agency of the state, the Minister asked the consumers to avail the benefit after fulfilling all formalities. He said that the rate fixed for new gas connections by all oil companies is Rs. 4364 with two filled gas cylinders at subsidized rates along with other accessories, excluding stove.
The oil companies have fixed Rs. 1450 as security for one cylinder (without gas) , Rs. 150 for regulator, Rs. 432 for refilling of cylinders on subsidized rates weighing 14.2 kg in Srinagar and Rs. 420 in Jammu, the meeting was informed.
Similarly, the charges for red book have been fixed at Rs. 35 installation charges Rs. 35, cost of pipe (Suraksha House) Rs. 180 and charges for stove inspection purchased from outside market, Rs. 200, the meeting maintained. It is has been made mandatory for consumer to purchase only ISI mark stoves. The oil companies clarified in the meeting that purchase of gas stoves from LPG dealers is not mandatory for new connection holder, but purchase of ISI mark stove from open market is necessary as safety procedure for them.
The Minister also stressed the LPG dealers for ensuring home delivery of LPG in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu for which directions have already been passed. He said it will be followed at towns and district headquarters and in rural areas in coming months.
Choudhary Ramzan asked all the Assistant Directors of CA&PD working at district level to be responsible for receipt of ration and submission of utilization certificate and remittance of money on weekly basis. He directed that there should be no advance supply of ration for next month till submission of utilization certificate and proper remittance of money is made. He directed that coupon verification should be held at district level.
Regarding the supply of kerosene oil, the Minister ordered that whatever kerosene oil comes from oil companies should go to districts in toto and no quantity should be retained at headquarters.
The Minister also reviewed the functioning of Enforcement Wing, Transport and Legal Metrology Departments. He directed the Managing Director SRTC to rationalize transport fleet at all routes for smooth transport facilities to the people.
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