Question : ISSUE OF KEROSENE AND LPG THROUGH UID CARD

(a) whether the Government has taken a decision to issue Public Distribution System (PDS) Kerosene and subsidised LPG cylinders though UID cards and formulated any Delivered Supply Scheme for distribution of PDS Kerosene;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the extent to which it is likely to solve the problem of irrational subsidy, consumption and adulteration;

(c) whether the Government will permit the Kerosene dealers to apply for the Delivered Supply Scheme in the States where this scheme is not operational; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the time frame by which a decision in this regard is likely to be taken?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) & (b): Government has constituted a Task Force in February, 2011 under the Chairmanship of Shri Nandan Nilekani, Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to recommend and implement a solution for direct transfer of subsidies on PDS Kerosene, domestic LPG and Fertilizer to the intended beneficiaries with the use of Aadhar.

The Chairman, UIDAI has submitted the Interim Report of the Task Force on Direct Transfer of Subsidies on Kerosene, LPG and Fertilizer to Hon’ble Finance Minister on 05th July, 2011. The Interim Report of the Task Force envisages implementation for transfer of cash subsidy on Kerosene, LPG and Fertilizer in phases.

A Pilot Scheme for direct transfer of cash subsidy on PDS Kerosene has already been launched in Kotkasim Tehsil of Alwar District (Rajasthan) in December, 2011.

In this scheme the PDS SKO moves at full market price at all points of supply including the PDS beneficiary. The subsidy which is the difference between the market price and the subsidised rate is transferred to the bank account of the beneficiary in advance by the State Government.

Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are presently also conducting a pilot at Mysore for Aadhaar enabled LPG delivery and direct transfer of cash subsidy.

These schemes aim to plug leakages in Kerosene and LPG distribution and reduce resultant outgo of subsidy.

(c) “Delivered Supply Scheme” is partly functional in the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. No expansion of the scheme is planned.

(d) Does not arise, in view of the above.