Question : ALLOTMENT OF PETROL PUMPS AND LPG AGENCIES

(a) the decision taken by the Government with regard to allotment of petrol pumps and LPG dealership in pursuance of the verdict of the Supreme Court on cancellation of petrol pumps and LPG dealerships by the Government;

(b) whether Union Government are again starting the process of appointing agents for the agencies sanctioned earlier in various areas of the country;

(c) if so, the time by which it is likely to be started;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether Union Government propose to provide the reservation facility to the people of scheduled caste/scheduled tribe in the agencies of private institutions and companies likely Reliance etc.; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) The Supreme Court of India, in its judgement dated the 20th December, 2002, has quashed the order of the Government dated the 9th August, 2002, cancelling allotments of retail outlet dealerships (petrol pumps), LPG distributorships and SKO-LDO dealerships made on the recommendations of the Dealer Selection Boards (DSBs) since January 1, 2000, except in respect of certain cases which were reported in the media. The Court has also appointed a Committee comprising a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India and a retired Judge of the High Court of Delhi and has referred these media-reported cases to this Committee for its examination. The Court has asked the Committee to submit its report to the Court within a period of three months. In respect of the remaining cases of selection, which are not being examined by the aforesaid Committee, the Government have advised the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to take further action.

(b) to (d): Consequent upon dismantling of the Administered Pricing Mechanism in the petroleum sector with effect from 1.4.2002, the selection of retail outlet dealers/LPG distributors/SKO-LDO dealers will now be made by the OMCs themselves as per the guidelines to be adopted by them.

(e) & (f) No Sir, The private institutions and companies set up agencies based on commercial considerations and reservation policy of the Government does not apply to them.