Govt mulls policy to regulate kerosene supply: Zulfkar

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 21:Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today directed the  Deputy Commissioners  to take necessary measures to rationalize the allocation and distribution of kerosene  in the districts.
Zulfkar said this during a video-conference held with Deputy Commissioners and officers of CAPD here today.
The Minister stressed upon ensuring that the allocated quantities of kerosene reach the eligible beneficiaries in time. He said that the Government is mulling a comprehensive policy to check pilferage and black marketing to regulate the supply of kerosene and sought inputs from all DCs   in this regard. He also asked DCs to immediately submit the actual requirement of kerosene in their respective districts and stressed on enforcing  check on  use of kerosene oil allotted for domestic use for commercial purposes.
Reviewing the progress of fidelity check being conducted by the District Administrations for implementation of NFSA and MMSFES, the Minister directed DCs to submit the accuracy certificate of their respective districts by 29th April failing which the ration allocation for the month of May would be put on hold. “Inaccuracies in the data will not be tolerated as ration is the basic right of people and  we have to ensure that no genuine beneficiary is devoid of their share of food”, reiterated the Minister .
The DCs were asked to submit a report of the estimated requirement of food grains including rice, atta and whole wheat so that the area specific ration allocation can be done and people can be provided with their choice of food grain.
The Minister taking strict view of exorbitant rates of essential commodities being charged from the consumers, especially of mutton directed District Administration and CAPD to work in tandem to intensify market checks and ensure that these commodities are sold at the notified prices only.
He also directed the District Administration to monitor the scale of ration issued to the public and ensure that allocated quantities are disbursed in time.
Secretary CAPD Shafiq Ahmed Raina and other senior officers of CAPD were also present in the meeting.