TURA, Feb 4: Tura BJP MDC Bernard N Marak on Sunday claimed that Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries were charged hefty amounts against gas cylinders which were supposed to be free, by certain gas distributors in some parts of Garo Hills.
“The amount asked from the beneficiaries ranges from Rs 1,000/- to Rs 1,500/- in some villages. Yesterday, I got a call from Rewak in South Garo Hills where one individual informed me that they were being asked to pay Rs 1,500/- per family in order to avail free gas cylinders. There were other complaints from other parts of Garo Hills,” Bernard claimed.
The Tura MDC made a request to concerned authorities to instruct the distributors in their districts to not ask money from the beneficiaries as well as to take strong action against those who are exploiting the beneficiaries and indulging in such illegal activities.
“PMUY is a scheme for women living below the poverty line. The scheme provides free gas connection to women. Customers do not have to pay any money to avail it nor need to pay loan for the first 6 refills of a 14.2 kg cylinder. EMI will have to be paid only after the seventh refill. Such privileged schemes are being hijacked by some individuals who are bringing bad name to the noble initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he added.
