In a democratic setup, Govt is duty bound to ensure Fundamental Rights of the Citizens are guaranteed. Article 12 to 35 of Constitution contain the list of Rights, very well known to every citizens. NCCHWO has been taking initiatives to ensure Citizens know the provisions of Article 51A as well, which contains provisions of 11 Fundamental duties expected from the Citizens. NCCHWO has been apprising the Govt about issues concerning National Interests. In the past, inputs have been forwarded to PMO/NITI Aayog/various Ministries on issues like Women Empowerment, Annual Budget, Issues connected with COVID etc.Recently, a lot of rumors were floating in the environment on shortage of Cooking Gas, which creates panic in the public. A special drive was undertaken by NCCHWO to identify the problem and forward remedial and constructive suggestions to the PM.
It was seen that , rumors were abuzz, about non availability of Cooking Gas.A survey and liaison visit was undertaken at Jammu by National Administrator Brig Harcharan Singh along with State Treasurer of NCCHWO Mr Ramnik Singh. A meeting with the State Level Coordinator of IOC , Mr Himanshu and his staff was undertaken at Jammu. Also, local Gas distributors were contacted to understand the supply chain of Cooking Gas.
Problems with Gas Distributor
It was seen that Cooking Gas supply was intentionally delayed to user. Many users were not getting the Cooking Gas from the Distributor, leading to artificial deficiency of Gas Cylinders. It was leading to hoarding and Blackmarketing of Gas Cylinder.
Procedures set by Gas Companies to ensure Gas Booking and Supply
State Level Coordinator of IOC at Jammu gave exhaustive briefing on the system of KYC, before the Cooking Gas Cylinder is supplied. He apprised that only after Delivery Authentication Code(DAC) is given by the User, the gas Cylinder is delivered by the Gas Distributor. It was however evident that the system is being manipulated by Gas Distributors, as in around 40 percent of consumers, DAC system is not functional. This manipulation can lead to hoarding, Blackmarketing and denial of supply to rightful owners.
Suggestions from NCCHWO
It was suggested that supply of Gas Cylinders be made strictly as per DAC System. Also, members of NGOs must be incorporated in the Joint Inspection Teams of the Govt, to make On the Spot inspection of Gas Distributors, to ensure rules are followed and hoarding is identified.
Actions by PMO on Suggestions of NCCHWO
Positive actions were taken and accordingly, Ministry of Petroleum directed that Gas Cylinder will only be sold to customers who fulfill DAC Norms. The instructions of the Ministry appeared through Media as well, to educate the general public.
Appeal by NCCHWO
Govt has tried all means to ensure that continuous supply of Cooking gas to public is ensured. It is duty of all NGOs to act as Watchdog and report cases of Hoarding and Blackmarketing to Nodal Officer appointed by any Ministry working under District Magistrate. NCCHWO conveys its appreciation and thanks to PMO for issuing prompt directions to address issue of hoarding and Blackmarketing of Cooking Gas. Efforts of State Level Coordinating Officer at Jammu were appreciated by NCCHWO, for his sincerity and efforts to ensure smooth supply of Cooking Gas to Consumers.
Meanwhile, National team of NCCHWO has appreciated volunteer checking of Gas Cylinder issue process in J&K and UP. NCCHWO will continue work to ensure that good work of our Govt Agencies is brought to the notice of citizens and deficiencies in services is brought to the notice of the Authorities. Chief Secy NCCHWO Ranjeet Verma reiterated that at no stage, our adversaries should be able to spread rumors, which could spread to panic in the public. Also, we are duty bound to report against Blackmarketing and horders.
