 "Empty Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders are seen at a gas distribution centre at Dujana village in Noida (Photo: Reuters)")
Oil marketing companies (OMCs) in Odisha have provided 201,344 new LPG connections under Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY).
OMCs have conducted the awareness programmes on PMUY in all the 314 blocks of the state. In toto, 320 programmes were conducted, covering all blocks of the state.
"We faced disruptions in a few blocks like Athagarh, Nimapada, Parlekhamundi and some blocks of Nabarangpur, Ganjam and Malkangiri districts while conducting the awareness programmes for the beneficiaries. But, the programmes were successfully organised despite the disruptions", said G Swaminathan, chief LPG manager (Odisha state) at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).
During these awareness programmes, about 15,000 new LPG connections were released by OMCs at the scheme.
LPG penetration in Odisha is around 40 per cent compared to the national average of 64 per cent.
Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan has targeted an LPG penetration of at least 70 per cent in Odisha with a customer strength of more than 7.5 million by December 2018. To achieve this end, three million new LPG connections are targeted under PMUY. Additionally, one million new connections would be provided to APL (above poverty line) consumers.
PMUY was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1 in Balia , Uttar Pradesh. Under the scheme, 50 million LPG connections will be provided to BPL families with a support of Rs 1600 per connection in the next three years. The amount will cover deposit free LPG cylinder, pressure regulator, free Suraksha LPG hose, DGCC book and administrative charges.
The implementation will also lead to opening of more distributors in the state. The scheme is likely to open up opportunities for setting up of 300-400 more distributors.
