By Our Reporter
Shillong: The hard-pressed LPG consumers of the city would be expectantly awaiting the outcome of a proposed meeting called by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal, with the various gas agencies in the city as well as the Area Manager of the Indian Oil Company (IOC) on February 20 to sort out the main problem behind the delay in the delivery as well as issue of new LPG connections.
Goyal informed that he called for the meeting following complaints from large sections of people on the poor and untimely delivery of LPG cylinders by the gas agencies. He also informed that he would try to dig out the main reason behind the problems related to delivery of LPG cylinders during the meeting.
On the complaints of untimely delivery of cylinders and highhandedness by gas agencies, Goyal said, “It is difficult to take action against any gas agencies when people don’t come forward and submit their complaints in black and white.”
He, however, admitted that one or two agencies have not performed up to the mark and they will be dealt with accordingly. “We don’t want to take any action in a rush but we will study the whole situation first at this upcoming meeting before taking any decision,” Goyal said.
When asked about the steps taken by the government to solve this never-ending problem, the Deputy Commissioner said, “As far as I am concerned the delivery system has improved as compared to the previous years but we will still continue to look for better ways and means to further improve the delivery system.”
He also expressed hope that the system of booking for refill of cylinders via SMS would be adopted in the city soon.
It may be noted that the streamlining of LPG distribution in the city, which was initiated by the then East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Bhalang Dhar, was meant to arrest the diversion of LPG cylinders into the black market, but the new measure has now left the consumers high and dry.
Earlier, the gas agencies would provide with a refill cylinder within 20-25 days of the earlier delivery.
However, with the new system in place, consumers, especially those with large families, are having a tough time as the refill is now available sometimes even after 40-45 days.