Question : NOC FOR OPENING OF PETROL PUMPS

(a) whether the Government is aware of the news item captioned, ‘NOCs:780 petrol stations under scanner’ as appeared in the Tribune dated July 09, 2005;

(b) if so, the details of the necessary clearances required from various departments at the time of opening the new petrol pump;

(c) whether these rules are strictly followed by the Oil Companies at the time of allotment of petrol pumps;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Union Government is aware that the Government of Haryana has issued order directing the Deputy Commissioners of the districts in the State to review the NOCs given to petroleum companies since January, 2000 with the instructions to ask the petroleum companies to comply with the requirements within a period of 60 days;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the necessary steps taken by the oil PSUs?

MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS & PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)

(a) to (g): Government have seen the news item appearing in The Tribune of 9 July 2005, reporting that the Government of Haryana have directed the district authorities of the State to review the ‘no objection certificates’ (NOCs) for setting up retail outlets issued to oil marketing companies(OMCs) since January, 2000.

Generally, NOCs for the installation of ROs are given by the district authorities after obtaining clearances from various authorities like the Police, the Fire Service, the Public Works Department, etc. In certain cases, the oil marketing companies also take clearances from the National Highway Authority of India and the Forest Department.

While these requirements are not required to be complied with at the time of allotment of a Retail Outlet, petrol pumps are commissioned only after obtaining NOCs/clearances from the competent authorities.

Some of the companies/dealers of the OMCs are reported to have received notices from the Deputy Commissioners in Haryana and these have been, or are being replied to. Further action will be taken after the Government of Haryana’s conclusions are delivered to the OMCs.