Staff Reporter
In a bid to reach out to 40% of households in Nagaland who are yet to receive an LPG connection, the Union petroleum and natural gas ministry launched the extended Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) – II at a press conference at Hotel Europa Inn here on Thursday.
The conference was addressed by State level coordinator of oil marketing companies in Nagaland, N Kashung, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) sales officer Achintya Kumar Saikia and IOCL assistant manager (institutional business) Kheshe M.
An initiative aimed at safeguarding the health of women and children who use firewood, coal and cake dung as domestic fuel, PMUY is intended for women across the country fulfilling the criteria. The scheme was launched in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on May 1, 2016 and in Nagaland on May 31, 2017.
Under the previous model, PMUY was rolled out in Nagaland on the basis of the Socio-Economic Class Status of 2011 and had discrepancies with mismatch in names and even names of beneficiaries missing. Under the revised model, availing the benefit has been made more convenient.
In his address, Kashung revealed that consumers can apply for connection from the existing LPG distribution agencies across the State for which a district nodal officer had been assigned in each district.
To avail the scheme, applicants would now need to show Aadhar card, ration card, Aadhar details of family members listed on the ration card, KYC form that is available for free in all LPG distribution agencies and bank details, Kashung added.
For people already having an LPG connection trying to avail the scheme, Kashung said applications would be screened at the National Informatics Centres (NIC) and applications of those found to have an existing LPG connection would be declined.
In his address, Saikia said free LPG connection under the revised PMUY was open for all sections of the society, except for those already having a connection.
Under PMUY-II, consumers can also opt for a stove that costs Rs 990 and available on loan, the payment for which will be deducted from the subsidy after the consumer availed six refills.
On the status of LGP connection in the State, Kashung and Saikia revealed that 60% households had LPG connection.
They said there were 56 LPG distributors and around two lakh customers in the State, with Dimapur and Kohima having the highest number of customers while Phek and Kiphire districts had the lowest LPG coverage.
The percentages of coverage in other districts are Longleng 21 %, Mokokchung 68 %, Mon 20%, Peren 22%, Tuensang 23%, Wokha 30% and Zunheboto 36%.