TNN Nov 9, 2013, 01.58AM IST
HYDERABAD: Even as a majority of LPG consumers are brimming with grievances ever since the Centre decided to link the supply of gas and subsidy to the Aadhaar card, three oil companies have made it clear they cannot pay the subsidy with retrospective effect.
The authorities had announced that subsidy will not be given to those who did not link their Aadhaar cards with their bank accounts and LPG dealer by September 1, 2013. However, the oil companies - Bharat Petroleum limited ( BPL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation limited ( HPCL) and Indian Oil Company ( IOC) - have further said they cannot pay retrospective subsidies to those whose Aadhaar cards are still pending. "There is no provision to make such payments with the petroleum and natural gas ministry," said an official.
The companies are firm in their stand despite requests by the state civil supplies officials who are being flooded by complaints for non-receipt of LPG subsidies. "We requested the oil companies to pay the subsidy amount to consumers with retrospective effect from September 1 at least in cases where the consumers did not get their subsidy in spite of getting their Aadhaar linked. However, they did not respond positively," Hyderabad district chief ration officer Padma said.
Meanwhile, the consumers continue to suffer. "I got enrolled for Aadhaar several months ago but got my card only in October. In the meantime, I purchased two cylinders at full rate after expiry of August 31 deadline. But now, the oil companies are refusing to repay the subsidy for earlier months," said K Sudhakar, a Chikkadpally resident.
Other consumers complained that they linked their Aadhaar cards with LPG distributors and banks way before the deadline but got the subsidy only in October end. "What happens to the subsidy for the earlier two cylinders I purchased on the full amount?" asked a resident.