Amid lockdown, demand for refilling of LPG cylinder drops
RANCHI: Jharkhand BPL families are showing indifference in terms refilling LPG cylinders, which has been made free for three months by the Centre in view of lockdown period.
As per the records available with the state nodal office of Ujjwala scheme, on an average ₹725 per cylinder was credited in the accounts of 32.49 lakh Ujjwala beneficiaries in advance in April against the refilling of LPG cylinder. However, just 15.87 lakh beneficiaries turned up to refill their LPG cylinders in April. The figure further came down in May with 7.81 lakh beneficiaries turning up for the same.
In May, the advance amount was credited to only 15.87 lakh beneficiaries’ accounts, as there is a provision that advance amount will not be given to the beneficiary until he/she has utilised the past month’s amount for refilling.
State nodal officer of Ujjwala scheme in Jharkhand, Harish Deepak said, “We are trying to find out the exact reason for low turnout of beneficiaries. There might be two reasons. We have generally seen rural people using a cylinder for at least three
BENEFICIARIES HAVE BEEN ASKED TO REFILL CYLINDERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVAIL THE NEXT MONTH’S ADVANCE
months, as they also use other sources of fuel, including wood. However, another reason that some beneficiaries might have utilized the advance amount in other household needs such as ration in this period cannot be ruled out .”
He said they have urged the beneficiaries to refill their cylinders as soon as possible in a bid to avail the next month’s advance amount.
State convener of right to food campaign, Ashrfi Nand Prasad said, “People in rural areas have been among the worst affected in lockdown, as they neither have money nor jobs. So, their priority is food right now. Many people withdrew the advance amount for purchasing ration. Lack of awareness is other reason. Many beneficiaries in rural Jharkhand have no idea about the amount against refilling cylinder that has been credited to their accounts in advance.” He said that the distance between the house and bank branch is also a major problem in villages. “Many beneficiaries are unable to reach bank branches due to distance. They are finding it difficult to get conveyance during lockdown.”.