NRIs can apply for LPG connection: Punjab NRI Commission

CHANDIGARH: Following a complaint filed by two Non-resident Indians, the Punjab State Commission for NRIs today said the complainants could avail LPG gas connection as the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas had informed it that foreign nationals, PIOs, and NRIs were eligible for the same.

Two NRIs - Baldev Singh and Vijay Kumar Saria - in their complaint with the Commission said that they could not apply for a gas connection in India despite the Centre according many benefits to Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India.

They pointed out that to apply for a gas connection, one has to declare that "I am an Indian citizen". They said since they were not Indian citizen, they could not apply for a gas cylinder, which "frustrated their intention" to stay in the country for a longer period.

Following their complaint, the Commission had issued notice to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to look into this issue.

The Commission said the under secretary (Marketing) of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas submitted a report to it saying the matter had been examined and it had been decided that foreign nationals/NRIs/PIOs/OCIs would be eligible for a domestic non-subsidised LPG connection.