Direct benefit registration process tardy in Odisha: Dharmendra Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: Expressing concern over tardy registration of Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) in Odisha, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said the process should be expedited so that it is completed by March 2015.

The pace of registration of DBTL in Odisha is not very encouraging as there has been about 12 per cent DBTL entry in the state so far, Pradhan told reporters after a review meeting of the progress of DBTL scheme in the state.

Ahead of the country-wide launch of DBTL scheme from January 1, 2015, Pradhan said the number of subsidised gas consumers brought under the programme so far is quite low to meet the deadline.

The Union minister said Odisha has been given a target of including 2 per cent consumers every day under the scheme.

Pradhan reviewed the progress and held discussion on the scheme with the Collectors of Puri, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj and Sambalpur districts through video conferencing in presence of senior officials of the state, which has over 25 lakh subsidised LPG consumers.

The deadline for the implementation of DBTL scheme across the country is March 31 next year under which Rs 568 subsidy will be directly credited to the bank account of subsidised gas consumers.

Pradhan said the consumers would not be entitled to gas subsidy if they fail to link their bank account with the concerned gas agencies by March next year.

The Minister apreciated the model proposed by the Collectors of Puri and Mayurbhanj districts. He also accepted the suggestion of organising special camps for achieving the target and engaging state level executives in collecting the required information from consumers.

Pradhan emphasised that the ownership of the DBTL scheme lies with oil marketing companies, which must provide single window facility at distribution points as part of providing service to the customers.

He also directed the OMCs to take up the issue with the state government for exempting LPG cylinders fro entry tax for the benefit of the people of the state.