(a) whether there is any Scheme to supply Cooking Gas in the rural areas of the country ;
(b) if so, the number of villages State-wise and district-wise covered under this Scheme with special
reference to Dhanbad in Jharkhand State ;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor ; and
(d) the reaction of the Government thereto ?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS & PANCHAYATI RAJ ( SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR )
(a) : As on 1.7.2004, OMCs have commissioned 1,075 out of 1,429 LPG distributorships planned under Urban / Rural category
and 569 out of 1,247 LPG distributorships planned under Rural category. Further, with a view to covering uncovered
Blocks/Tehsils/Mandals, the Ministry have advised the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to introduce
innovative steps for low income group customers such as introduction of 5 kg. cylinders, setting up of community
kitchens in villages etc.
(b) to (d) : At present, 16 LPG distributors of OMCs are serving the customers in Dhanbad District of Jharkhand, of which 1 is operating in the urban-rural area.
LPG connections are available on demand throughout the country including in Jharkhand and it is expected that due to the various innovative steps being taken by OMCs, LPG availability in rural areas of Dhanbad District will be further increased. The details of villages covered State-wise & district-wise are available with the OMCs.