SHILLONG: The arbitrary decision of Riwar Mihngi Gas Agency, Rilbong to transfer the distribution of LPG cylinders to another agency, has irked many consumers in the area.
More than 2,000 consumers are unhappy over the sudden message from Riwar Mihngi which said,” Your gas connection is transferred from Riwar Mihngi Indane Gas Agency to Longkmie Gas Agency due to administrative reasons, Contact new distributor 03642501747 “.
When contacted, the top functionary of the Riwar Riwar Mihngi refused to take the call twice.
Text messages were also sent to the functionary, but there was no response.
The East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner P S Dkhar , who monitors the distribution, said he was not consulted before taking such a decision.
” I am in the dark. Action will have to be taken against them”, Dkhar said.
The area manager of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Manish admitted that no discussion was held with the stakeholders before taking the decision to transfer the service to Longkmie Gas Agency, Laban.
He said it was four years ago that a temporary arrangement was made with the Dawki based Riwar Mihngi when the workload was more in Longkmie Gas Agency.
Riwar Mihngi is planning to engage in the distribution of LPG for the consumers in Dawki under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
According to the official, now Riwar Mihngi wants to go back to Dawki.
The authorities have no answer as to why a temporary arrangement was made with the Dawki based Riwar Mihngi only to pull out as per the wish of the Gas Agency causing inconvenience to the consumers.
Sources pointed out that the IOC succumbed to the arbitrary decision of Riwar Mihngi without holding discussion with the district administration.
Some consumers are reluctant to approach Longkmie Gas Agency as there were complaints of delay for two months for distribution of LPG cylinders in the past.
However, the IOC official said efforts will be made to deliver the cylinders in time.
