The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : 4.59 lakh LPG connections given

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Sunday, Apr 13, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

4.59 lakh LPG connections given

T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI: About 4.59 lakh LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections were given in the just-concluded financial year against the target of eight lakhs under the State Government’s scheme of supplying free LPG connections with double-burner gas stoves.

The reason: difficulties experienced in coordinating the supply of LPG cylinders and regulators from oil companies, according to the Policy Note of the Food and Consumer Protection Department for 2008-2009 that was placed before the Assembly early this week.

K. Shanmugam, Food and Consumer Protection Secretary, says the relevant government order was issued in October and the distribution of the connections began in December.

“In a matter of four months, giving 4.59 lakh connections is a very good achievement,” he says, adding that the oil companies had to float tenders for the procurement of LPG cylinders.

This month, 70,000 connections were given. Last year, the original target was five lakhs. Subsequently, it was increased to eight lakhs.

Asked whether the current shortage of LPG cylinders is the cause for not being able to meet the target, the Secretary said it could be cited as a reason. “But, the problem had existed even before. Basically, the scheme involves complicated procedures.” Launched in January 2007, the scheme, in the initial phase, covered three lakh connections.

However, the Food Secretary says that there will be no problem in fulfilling the target of eight lakh LPG connections with two burner gas stoves this year.

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