DBTL likely to slash down LPG consumers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 13 2014 :
The Government of India's new initiative to refund subsidy given on domestic LPG refills to the consumers directly may slash down the total number of LPG consumers in Manipur by one-third.
The total number of domestic LPG consumers in the State is around three lakh, informed a well placed source.
But this figure may be reduced by one lakh once the Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) is introduced in the State.
The IOC is aware that there are many consumers who enjoy multiple LPG connections while many others have been enjoying the benefit of subsidised LPG by registering themselves in the names of other people.
However, once the DBTL scheme is introduced which requires submission of personal bank account numbers of each and every consumer, consumers who have been enjoying multiple connections and/or receiving subsi- dised LPG refills by registering themselves with different LPG agencies in the names of other people would be cancelled automatically.
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Another merit of the DBTL scheme is that it can easily check selling and buying of subsidised LPG refills in black markets, said the source.
Meanwhile, IOC Mumbai, Marketing Division Director M Nene arrived at Imphal yesterday and held a meeting with Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga.
They discussed about proper implementation of DBTL scheme in the State and also about ensuring adequate availability of petro- leum products and LPG cooking gas in the State.
Stating that what was most crucial for successful implementation of DBTL scheme was internet connectivity, M Nene appealed to the Chief Secretary to improvise internet connectivity in the State.
The IOC has already lodged a complaint to the BSNL for improving internet connectivity in the State, Nene said.
The storage capacity of the Sekmai LPG bottling plant was 800 metric tonnes.
Construction of additional storage tanks for augmenting the bottling plants storage capacity to 1800 metric tonnes has been completed.
The rail-fed oil depot being constructed at Malom would be equipped with automation loading and it would have storage capacity of the State's requirement of petroleum products for two months.
Even though Manipur is connected with other parts of India with two National Highways, petroleum products and LPG are being transported along Imphal-Dimapur highway only.
Taking due note of this fact, Director M Nene assured that maximum efforts would be invested to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and LPG to Manipur.
Notably, M Nene has been directly monitoring supply and status of petroleum products and LPG in the State.
The Chief Secretary too assured that the Govt would do everything within its capacity for effective implementation of DBTL scheme.
The Govt has already asked the Centre to do the needful for improvement of internet connectivity in the State, Lawmkunga told Nene.