The State Government is shortly announcing a slew of measures to streamline and rationalize distribution of Kerosene Oil and curb black-marketing.This was announced by the Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs Choudhary Zulfkar Ali while interacting with a deputation of K-oil Dealers Association here today.He said the new measures would also facilitate adequate supply of K-oil to the deserving areas.‘’I hope the renewed efforts of the Government in this regard will help curb black-marketing and plug pilferages in the supply chain of K-oil,” the Minister asserted.Zulfkar said rationalization of K-oil will not only check black-marketing but also help in curbing the practice of adulteration of diesel with K-oil. He said CA&PD department has already constituted flying squads to check this menace adding that anybody found involved in such malpractices will be dealt with stringently.
Listing the benefits of rationalization, the Minister said that it would be instrumental in ameliorating the lot of rural people especially women folk who are still dependent upon cow dung and wood for cooking which is hazardous to their health and well being besides polluting the air. The Minister impressed upon the dealers to be honest in their dealings and to fulfill their social responsibilities. The other demands highlighted by K-oil dealers included enhancement of K-Oil quota, increase in their commissions etc.Responding to their demands, the Minister said that the Government is aware of their problems adding that being a landlocked area J&K needs more quota of K-Oil and assured them that the issue would be taken up with Union Ministry of Petroleum at an earliest.
Meanwhile, a deputation of CA&PD Employees Association also called on the Minister and submitted their memorandum of demands which include conducting of DPC at regular intervals, reorganization of the department, creation of 63 posts of TSOs (Tehsil Supply Officers) and adjustment of contractual drivers and Hamals etc. Zulfkar assured the deputation all their genuine demands would be looked into and resolved at an earliest. He said that efforts are afoot to provide them a congenial atmosphere to work so that they would be able to deliver their services sincerely.