People selling gas cylinders as they no longer can afford another refill: RK Anand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 19 2018: Free gas connection and distribution of gas kits under Ujjwala scheme was held today at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, Imphal.

Speaking at the event as chief guest, former MLA RK Anand said that he is sad to learn that some of the beneficiaries who got free gas connections have sold their cylinders and gas stoves as they can not afford another refill.

"It is sad to learn that many are selling their gas cylinders and stove as they no longer can afford a refill," he said.

The scheme launched under the Prime Minister's name aims at providing gas connections to women free of costs.

But with the present cost of Rs 1,000 per refill is a burden for many, he said.

Moreover, there are many instances where subsidy of the gas are not credited to the bank account of the beneficiaries concerned, he said reminding the gathering that refill at the time of UPA Government costs less than Rs 500.With all the problems and issues with the subsidies not being credited to bank accounts of the concerned beneficiaries/consumers, RK Anand said that it would be more simpler and practical to allow the consumers and public to procure the refill at just Rs 500 or rate determined by the authority concerned without involving any subsidy or similar policy.

He further clarified that he is addressing the issue and moving the suggestion as a citizen and not as a politician or on behalf of any political party.

State Government should deliberate on the issue and it too should suggest the Centre to change the norms and policy at present which seems good but not practical, he said.

Going by this current norms, the scheme is against the poor people, he alleged hinting at price hike and other subsidy/bank related issues.

He further said that he was schocked to hear that the rice under NFSA has been allegedly distributed following the voters' list in Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC MLAs' name is in the voters' list too.

So are they entitled to NFSA's benefits? What about the children who are not yet registered in the voters' list? .

Are you saying that the children should live on without food?" the former MLA came down heavily on the authorities/members concerned.

NFSA was launched under the UPA Government, he said and urged the concerned authorities to cover more families/persons who were left out in the AC .

Imphal West-II Block Congress Committee president Nameirakpam Nimaichand, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa BCC president Sarangthem Chaoba and Phoubakchao Indane Gramin Vitrak officials attended the event.

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