‘Anytime LPG will create more problems’
Guwahati   31-Jul-2010

The concept of anytime LPG mooted by Petroleum Ministry, according to Biplab Kumar Goswami, general secretary of Grahak Suraksha Samiti (GSS) will create more problems than solve it. It would only wedge more class distinction as the rich and privileged alone could take advantage of the system yet to be implemented in this remote part of the country. According to the information, the service is currently in operation in certain metros and its neighbouring areas which subsequently would cover other major metros and by the end of this year entire country would be under the network.

The plan, as outlined by the Oil Minister Murli Deora has been called 'preferred time LPG delivery'. The customers can get delivery of the LPG at anytime or day of the week by coughing up additional Rs 25 or 50 per cylinder. Though the scheme is optional, common consumers already in the coil of abnormal cost of living can hardly be expected to become competitive to get the benefit. Goswami said instead of experimenting with the 'utopian scheme', the oil company should ensure delivery of LPGs in a fair and transparent manner. He added to say, "it seems to be an exercise to cover up the existing erroneous".

GSS on its part instead of welcoming the system has instead laid emphasis on close cooperation and coordination of various LPG agencies and IOC marketing division with the consumers. In order to make it effective, the Samiti organized a meet of all concerned presided over by the IOC marketing manager K Changmai recently in the auditorium of Rajiv Gandhi Open Institute here.

Jahar Kanti Sen, former member of consumers' court, was of the view that the delivery man should be with identity card and in prescribed dress in order to reach LPG to consumers, adhering strictly to norms and regulations which alone would eliminate many of the flaws. Biplab Kumar Goswami reminded that the delivery man is the pivot on whose services depend the success of proper delivery. He also favoured conforming to the standing rules and equally important, as he pointed out, was the role of agencies for fair delivery. It was also important that the agencies besides insisting on cash memos should ensure proper wait of each LPG without leaving any scope for complaint from the consumers.

The representatives of various agencies present at the meet assured the assembly of their sincere efforts to maintain fairness in the distribution of LPG cylinders and to protect the interest of consumers. Goswami was optimistic that this assembly with all concerned would definitely go a long way in improving the services and also for redressal of any grievance of consumers.