MYSORE, July 27, 2014
Updated: July 27, 2014 12:17 IST
SHANKAR BENNUR
‘Commercial cylinder sales dropped after halt of DBT scheme’
Has the suspension of the Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for domestic LPG in Mysore district led to ‘diversion’ of subsidised LPG cylinders?
The reason for this suspicion is the decline in the sale of commercial (non-subsidised) LPG cylinders.
‘25 p.c. drop’
Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies K. Rameshwarappa told The Hindu here on Saturday that LPG dealers had told him that they noticed at least a 25 per cent drop in the sale of non-subsidised cylinders after the DBT scheme for domestic LPG cylinders was suspended.
“This has raised doubt on whether the subsidised domestic cylinders were being diverted for commercial purposes. The seizure of about seven domestic LPG cylinders from an illegal refilling unit here serves as an indication,” Mr. Rameshwarappa said.
He said LPG dealers had realised there was a drastic reduction in the sale of commercial cylinders, especially after the DBT scheme was halted.
Mr. Rameshwarappa said steps had been taken to identify consumers who were ‘diverting’ their cylinders for purposes other than domestic use. “If found guilty, criminal proceedings will be launched against such consumers,” he warned.
Following suspicion of “diversion” of domestic LPG cylinders, the department has told dealers to take proper measures.
Diversion of cylinders, if it was occurring, must be checked, the official had said at the meeting with LPG dealers.
‘Take measures’
Mr. Rameshwarappa said distributors had been asked to keep track of the supply by mentioning the serial number of the consumer on the bill along with entries in the “blue book” or domestic gas consumer card, which is with the consumer, at the time of delivery.
The delivery details must be properly entered at the time of delivery.
In addition, the distributor must ensure the return of the same cylinder supplied to the consumer for refill. In case the cylinder was being misused, it would be known when it was returned for refill, he said.
The Deputy Director said that autorickshaw drivers and hoteliers had been warned against using illegal LPG cylinders or buying refilled cylinders from those running illegal LPG refilling units.