MP: PNG Supply to Begin Within 10 Days Where Lines Are Connected; What More ACS Rashmi Arun Shami Told?
Bhopal: On Wednesday, Smt. Rashmi Arun Shami, Additional Chief Secretary (Food), Madhya Pradesh, held a meeting via video conferencing with Additional District Magistrates, officials from Municipal Corporations and Municipalities, as well as representatives from oil companies and City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities across the districts.
ACD directed that PNG supply be initiated within the next 10 days for all households where PNG lines have already been connected. Consumers in these areas are also to be apprised that, in accordance with directives from the Government of India, their LPG supply may be discontinued within the next three months if they choose not to avail themselves of the PNG supply.
ACS Smt. Shami issued instructions to prioritize the provision of PNG connections to institutions and correctional facilities falling under the purview of the Home Department—as well as to Police, CAPF, and Defense establishments, Officers' Colonies, General Administration pool housing, Police Headquarters, Police Colonies, and similar premises—wherever pipelines have already been laid in the vicinity.
During the meeting, it was reported that for areas where pipelines have been laid, lists of residents and commercial establishments are being compiled, and arrangements are being made to organize camps within these colonies to facilitate the process.
Districts were directed to actively involve officials from local bodies (Municipal Corporations and Municipalities), Ward Corporators, and other elected representatives in the publicity campaigns and the organization of these camps.
Regarding the state's industrial zones, instructions were issued to identify industrial units located in the vicinity of existing pipelines and to facilitate their transition to PNG usage.
Based on information received from the oil company, 5 kg cylinders are being made available by the company at a rate of Rs 1,529 per connection to provide cooking gas to migrant laborers and students within the district. These cylinders can be obtained without the requirement of an address proof. The refill charge for such 5 kg cylinders is Rs 585.
Action Against Black Marketing
Continuous action is being taken across the state under the Essential Commodities Act to curb the black marketing of LPG. To date, inspections have been conducted at 3,226 locations; 3,961 LPG cylinders have been seized, and FIRs have been registered in 11 cases. All District Supply Controllers/Officers in the state, as well as officials from the oil companies, have been instructed to conduct regular inspections of gas agencies and petrol pumps.