Two sets of rules — one for the common man, and one for those holding Constitutional posts
When it comes to the cap on the consumption of subsidised domestic LPG cylinders, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), it appears, has two sets of rules — one for the common man, and one for those holding Constitutional posts.
While approving the cap on LPG cylinders to six per year for households, the CCEA and the Petroleum Ministry cited last year’s report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas to support its case.
It also cited the report of the Task Force headed by Nandan Nilekani on cash transfer of subsidy on kerosene, LPG and fertilizer to buttress its case.
However, the Petroleum Ministry has conveniently ignored the other part of the Standing Committee’s report where it suggested that those holding Constitutional posts, public representatives like MPs and MLAs, should not get subsidised cooking fuel and that all their supplies should be provided at the market rate. The panel had also suggested ending sale of subsidised cooking gas to households with income of over Rs. 6 lakh per annum.
The criteria for six cylinders was fixed after a survey by oil marketing companies, which states that each 14.2 kg LPG cylinder normally lasts a household for 45 to 60 days. Based on this calculation, six cylinders are considered enough to see a family through the year.
However, LPG distributor records indicate that a vast number of households are taking as many as 20 to 30 cylinders each year, a symptom of large-scale diversion of subsidised cooking gas for use in commercial establishments such as restaurants and dhabas and as auto fuel. LPG for commercial use is sold at the market price and packed in different cylinders.
The Nandan Nilekani Task Force, in its interim report, suggested ending the sale of subsidised kerosene. The project has taken off in Delhi where the Sheila Dikshit government has launched the cash transfer scheme for the beneficiaries, including those below the poverty line.
Keywords: subsidised LPG, LPG cylinders cap, fuel price hike
MPs and MLAs should be treated as common man as they are the
representative of a common man.Common distribution system should be
applicable to all citizen.
To withdraw subsidies allowed to the common people is the norm and
standard of the Politician and beurocracy.More so in New Delhi.
Legislators enjoy numerous subsidies such as free telephone, free
travel,subsidised food and beverages in Parliamentary canteen,
housing, fuel etc. Much of this is also enjoyed by the Govt. Officers.
All at the cost of the tax-payer and common people. This is in
addition to hefty Salaries and allowances.
All this can not be reduced or withdrawn. But the burden of common
people must be increased to satisfy the greed of capitalist,politician
and Officers. his is Present Indian Democracy. Why should not people
dream of return of British Raj.
In the name of Democracy every politician and officer, today, is a
Raja and Nawab. 2G or Coalgate nothing makes any difference to this
Class of persons and the capitalist who survive with their support.
Supreme Court has raised pertinent guestions for the Govt.
The headlines prove the parasitical policy arising from unethical discrimination in distibution subsidised LPG. Do the 'privileged political class having many perks at tax payer's expense, economically backward than the middle and lower middle income groups? If so let them furnish sworn affidavit in a court of law and forego their salaries and allowances , perks and the security provided at state expense!
YOu are the only paper which as highlighted this aspect. Congrats. This is utter blasphemy that while the common man pays the price, the MPs and MLAs who mouth their sympathy for the aam admi get benefits at the cost of the aam admi.The food they c get at the Parliament canteen is rifidulously cheap - despite Parliament not functioning! It is high time we follow proper democratic principles and everyone contributes to the country. MLAs and MPS and other functionaries should take the lead by action and not by slogans and mere words.
"However, the Petroleum Ministry has conveniently ignored the other part of the Standing Committee’s report where it suggested that those holding Constitutional posts, public representatives like MPs and MLAs, should not get subsidised cooking fuel and that all their supplies should be provided at the market rate. The panel had also suggested ending sale of subsidised cooking gas to households with income of over Rs. 6 lakh per annum.
Whither equity and equality, when state policy of public distibution of bare necessities for daily lives of people across the board gets parasitical due to unethical discrimination?
everyone has a single stomach then why two sets of rules,one for the common and one for the constitutional holding posts
Please Email the Editor