At present, 25 per cent of the sites for new retail outlets are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
"I would like to congratulate you for formulating new guidelines for setting up of retail outlets and LPG distributorships by applying reservation policy as per constitutional provisions," Yadav wrote to Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy on July 26.
According to new guidelines approved by Reddy, a champion of backward classes and minorities, quota for SCs/STs would be reduced to 22.5 per cent, while 27 per cent of new outlets would be reserved for OBCs.
Fifty per cent of the pumps and dealerships would be alloted to open or general category candidates. Also, petrol pumps, which till now were alloted on the basis of personal interviews, would henceforth be given through draw of lottery.
Stating that selection through draw of lots would more transparent mechanism, Yadav said, "Earlier applicants were considered on the basis of their educational qualifications, financial background and other criteria. There had been lot of allegations of discrimination in that system."
"You brought this significant policy change without any pressure and publicity," he wrote adding OBC candidates now stand a chance of getting petrol pump or LPG dealership.
"This is the result of your sincere efforts in helping the downtrodden people of the society and making the process so crystal clear," he said thanking Reddy for bringing the "radical change". MORE