Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Jan 22: There is no proposal with State Government to increase the subsidized LPG cylinders from 9 to 12 for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and other marginalized sections of the society as was done by Delhi Government for the consumers falling under BPL category.
According to high placed sources the BPL as well as APL families have to remain contented with nine subsidized cylinders per year as was decided by Union Government recently after removing the cap from six to nine subsidized cylinders per family per annum.
Sources said though the nine cylinder cap will be in force from April first 2013 to March but the consumers will get two additional cylinders on subsidy upto ending March this year and the directives have been issued to all oil companies in this regard.
Sources said that Government has warned strict action against those LPG dealers who will not comply with the order and over charge from consumers for additional two cylinders upto March.
Though Delhi Government in its recent Cabinet meeting has decided to provide 12 subsidized LPG cylinders to the BPL customers after bearing the additional cost, the J&K Government is unable to take such a decision in view of the lack of resources with the State and its dwindling economy, sources said.
However, there is a growing public demand for increasing the subsidized LPG cylinders for all consumers from 9 to 12 in view of the topography and climate of the State. This demand was put forth by representatives of various political organizations before the Union Government also some time back who demanded enhancement of subsidized LPG for the State in view of the cold climate and poor economic condition of the people. They strongly advocated that the State should be given a special quota.
It may be recalled that Centre in last September capped the subsidy by reducing the 14.2 kg LPG cylinders to six only per annum per family and any requirement beyond that would have to be procured at market rate which generated a public resentment.
However, bowing to increasing public demand and hue and cry raised by people, the Union Government removed the cap on subsidized LPG cylinders from six to nine per annum recently.
It also decided to provide additional two subsidized cylinders to consumers upto March this year. But there is a growing demand from people to provide 12 subsidized cylinders to consumers in this hilly State keeping in view its topographical condition.
When contacted the Minister of CAPD and Transport Choudhary Mohammed Ramzan said that the State Government will vigorously put the case before the Union Government and demand 12 subsidized cylinders for all consumers falling under APL as well as BPL category.
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