Question : CONVERSION OF SKO DEALERSHIP

(a) whether the Government has reduced the kerosene quota under Public Distribution System (PDS) to various States and that has adversely affected the Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) dealers particularly those belonging to SCs/STs;

(b) if so, the details of such reduction in kerosene quota in terms of percentage during each of the last three years;

(c) whether the Government is considering to convert such affected SKO dealers into LPG dealers;

(d) if so, the number of SKO dealers likely to be benefitted therefrom along with the time frame by which the scheme is likely to be implemented; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor indicating the steps being taken by the Government to provide other sources of employment to the affected SKO dealers?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a): Due to rationalization of the previous year’s allocation based on factors, such as increase in Domestic LPG connections, lapse of PDS Kerosene quota and cap on the PDS Kerosene allocation for non-LPG population, Kerosene quota under PDS has been reduced in respect of various States/UTs. The allocation to dealer is done by the respective State Governments.

(b): Details of the PDS Kerosene quota reduced in terms of percentage, during the last three years i.e. 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 are given in Annexure.

(c) to (e): Government in consultation with the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), has decided that the affected/unviable Kerosene dealers may apply for Regular LPG distributorship/Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitran (RGGLVY) Yojna under the category of individual applicant only with relaxed age and educational qualifications.