PANJIM, JUNE 20
The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs a few months ago, issued a circular to regulate kerosene supply but in the process discovered large-scale bogus registration to avail kerosene at subsided rate.
The survey conducted by the Department through mamlatdars has revealed that the magnitude of bogus registration is alarmingly high with Mormugao, Salcete and Bardez topping the list, sources informed.
Altogether there are 1477 kerosene retailers and 715 hawkers in the State. Goa receives 2055 kilo litres kerosene as its quota.
The Department, in March, after issuing the new ration cards realised that the present quota of kerosene would not be sufficient to accommodate new registered members and decided to put a cap on supply of kerosene by limiting the ration quota.
As such, a circular was issued to limit the supply to families having gas connections to 3 litres per card as against 5 litres given earlier.
Earlier, those without gas connection could avail 2 litres per head with no upper limit. But, the new circular restricted the supply of kerosene to 5 litres per card holder for families that did not have gas connection.
Apparently, retailers who are biggest beneficiaries of bogus registration opposed the circular tooth and nail.
Following this, a survey was conducted throughout to check the position where bogus registrations came to light. The Department, now, wants fresh registrations to be done so that fake names are deleted and genuine consumers get their quota.
Sources revealed that if fake names are deleted, the Department can comfortably supply kerosene to all new consumers without re-introducing the circular that was issued in February.
