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| CAPD’s kerosene regulation | | Official prise Rs 10, not available even for 20 | |
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, DEC 4: Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department has decided to reduce the number Kerosene oil depots as according to the ministry considerable reduction in consumption was recorded. Result of which one thousand liters were surrendered during the month of October onwards, even after about 1111 kerosene licenses were cancelled three years ago.
The question, however, remains: have the numbers of consumers reduced or the people have turned so rich in Jammu that they don’t need kerosene any more to use? If the population reduced in Jammu only or does the income increased for the people of Jammu and not for the people in Kashmir and Ladakh? However, whatever would be the reason but poor people of Jammu who could not get adequate quantity of kerosene for Rs 20 per liter against official rate of Rs 10 per liter should have shift to timer to cook and light.
Irony is that ministry of CAPD found the concession extended by Central Government in quota worthy for people of Kashmir, Ladakh and hilly areas of Rajoori-Poonch, Doda-Kishtwar and not for Kathua, Samba, Jammu and Udahpur as reasons well known to the authorities at the helm of affairs. Not only this but also rates of commission enhanced were implemented in Kashmir division @ Rs 263/KL whereas in Jammu similar commission is being paid @ Rs 243/KL.
It is beyond to understand that on what grounds ministry of CAPD found it reasonable to reduce the number and quota for Jammu and increase it to 7 liters from 5 liters in Kashmir and hilly parts of the state. Jammu being greater in population as compared to Kashmir and Ladakh still CAPD distributes quota on the ration of 40:60, which again compels poor people of Jammu to think twice.
Minister CAPD Qamar Ali Akhoon when asked under which criteria such steps were taken replied that it is purely a policy of department which changes according to need and time. He clarified that quota as well as number of dealers, if needed, in future will be enhanced for the people of Jammu. Minister assured that decision taken is temporary.
Alleging that people of Jammu are involved in black marketing of kerosene oil does not justify that people in Kashmir and other parts of state do not, said a dealer and added that this action of government has set an example of discrimination with Jammu.
Sources informed that there is mess in CAPD and Oil India Corporation over the distribution system. Exactly, the root cause of inconvenience to public was due to cancellation of 1111 licenses three years ago as when there are no permission with dealers and government failed to distribute kerosene on ration cards on due time, it is obvious that quota will be surrendered. But the fact of matter is why then not for the last three years? In fact, director issue orders for quota as was done far the last three and more years but assistant directors did not obey the system due to their vested interests which made the pipeline to suffer the flow of supplies, sources informed.
It is prime duty of the government to streamline the situation for smooth functioning of the department by making employees accountable instead of taking decisions which cause sufferings to the poor people. Initially Jammu is entitled for 40% of total quota and now when government is planning to reduce the number of dealers which not only will be responsible for causing inconvenience to people but also could lead the masses to raise hue and cry. |
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