The large number of bogus domestic LPG connections in the State has adversely impacted poor people as the Centre has reduced Karnataka's kerosene quota citing the increase in LPG coverage, according to Food and Civil Supplies Minister Shobha Karandlaje.
Replying to Congress member R.V. Venkatesh during the Zero Hour, the Minister pointed out that the kerosene quota had been reduced in proportion with the increase in gas connections.
The kerosene quota of the State, which was earlier 50,000 kilo litres has been reduced to 45,000 kilo litres as the State's cooking gas coverage has touched 55 per cent of the population, she said.
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But a large portion of the increase in cooking gas connections was mainly due to bogus connections taken in fictitious names mostly by gas agencies selling cylinders in the black market to hotels and for refilling of autorickshaw gas cylinders, she said.
Drive
This has prompted the Government to launch a drive against bogus gas connections, she said, and warned gas agencies of dire consequences if they continue to create fictitious names of consumers.
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‘Submit details'
Pointing out that consumers are required to submit details such as RR numbers of their electricity meters as a proof of residence, she sought to allay fears that such a process would lead to seizing of gas connections in cases were several families share a common electricity meter. “All that the consumers have to do in such cases is to mention the fact that they share the common electricity meter along with relevant documents,” she said.
Heritage trees
Replying to Manohar Maski (BJP), Forest Minister C.P. Yogeshwar said the Karnataka Biodiversity Board has identified 10 trees as ‘heritage trees' in the State following their distinct features.
Heritage trees will be marked in the district tour maps, he said, and noted that details regarding the location of heritage trees would be announced soon.