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Vaithilingam launches subsidy scheme for LPG cylinders

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

EXTENDING RELIEF: Chief Minister V.Vaithilingam at a function to launch the LPG subsidy scheme in Puducherry on Saturday.

PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister V.Vaithilingam on Saturday said the territorial government had started providing subsidy for liquefied petroleum gas cylinders used by domestic consumers in response to Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s appeal to the State governments to come forward to share the burden of the people against the backdrop of steep hike in petroleum products.

Shortly after launching the scheme to provide subsidies to the tune of Rs.62,10,048 on LPG cylinders for September and October in Puducherry region, he said it would benefit 1,24,470 families in all the four regions. Under the scheme, Rs.30 would be provided for LPG cylinders weighing 14.2 kg and Rs.11 for cylinders weighing 5 kg, he added.

The Civil Supplies Department would earmark Rs.2.73 crore in the current financial year for this purpose, he said.

Close on the heels of the decision taken on September 4, the new government was implementing it without any delay, as the administration was of the view that the relief would be meaningful only if it reached the needy in time, he said. The territorial government was only following the example set by the Tamil Nadu government in this regard, he added.

Mr.Vaithilingam asked the domestic consumers to produce their ration cards at the LPG distribution outlets when they availed themselves of the benefit for the first time.

Referring to local legislator S.P.Sivakumar (DMK)’s plea to the government to resort to steps to ensure better maintenance of law and order, the Chief Minister said the police would be given adequate powers to enable them to perform their duties without fear or favour.

He also made it clear that the government would not allow the police to use excess powers. The Ministers would function in a coordinated manner, he said.

Welfare Minister M.Kandasamy said the officials concerned in the Civil Supplies Department would be asked to ensure that ineligible consumers possessing red ration cards meant for below the poverty line families surrendered the cards within two weeks. The government was keen that the benefits of the welfare schemes meant for the poor reached the target groups without any diversion.

Denying differences among the Ministers over allocation of portfolios, Mr.Kandasamy urged the officials to extend their cooperation to the elected representatives in the implementation of various schemes.

Action would be taken against those officials who did not perform, he said, adding that the government would not be vindictive.

Mr.Sivakumar asked the government to introduce Goondas Act in the Union Territory to ensure better maintenance of law and order.

Development Commissioner Naini Jayaseelan, who is holding additional charge as Chief Secretary, highlighted the significance of the scheme.

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