Namchi, April 6 (IPR): A review meeting chaired by District Collector Ms Anupa Tamling on LPG supply management in Namchi District was held at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), today.
The meeting focused on assessing the current status of LPG supply and distribution across the district. Key issues relating to service delivery, supply gaps, and operational challenges were discussed in detail.
The District Collector in her address, referred to the previous meeting and expressed concern over LPG supply preparedness. She emphasized the need to prevent shortages and ensure timely and equitable availability of LPG across the district. She urged all distributors to maintain efficient distribution systems, with particular focus on timely delivery.
Highlighting concerns regarding price rise, she directed all stakeholders to remain vigilant and ensure that consumers are not adversely affected. She also interacted with each distributor, seeking details on the number of registered customers, monthly booking figures, KYC verification status, and pending cases. She called for clear explanations regarding delays in completing KYC processes and reviewed the status of activation and deactivation of customer accounts, stressing the need for regular monitoring.
The DC further directed distributors to prioritise institutions serving students and other vulnerable sections, ensuring timely LPG supply based on recommendations issued by the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). She also underscored the need for strict regulation and monitoring of commercial LPG usage by the institutions.
She instructed all distributors to submit accurate and updated customer data, including KYC status, within the current week to enable the administration to compile reliable reports for submission to the State Government and the Centre, and emphasized that any operational challenges should be promptly reported to the concerned authorities.
Reiterating the importance of consumer protection, she directed that LPG must be sold strictly at prescribed government rates, with no additional or unauthorised charges. She warned that any instance of overcharging or malpractice would invite strict penalties as per the rules.
She also requested concerned authorities to review the existing distribution system and take necessary measures to ensure equitable LPG supply across both urban and rural areas.
The District Civil Supplies Officer (DCSO), Mr. Tenzing Bhutia, in his address, highlighted the importance of completing KYC to facilitate seamless online LPG booking. He noted that consumers without completed KYC may face difficulties in booking LPG cylinders and urged distributors to encourage customers to complete the process at Aadhaar centres to ensure uninterrupted supply.
He further informed that while earlier only 10–20 percent DAC compliance was required for LPG booking in Sikkim, it is now mandatory for all beneficiaries to have 100 percent Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) compliance.
It was also informed that the Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Ms. Norzing Tsering, has written to the Chief General Manager, LPG Division, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., West Bengal State Office, Kolkata, seeking temporary relaxation of the mandatory 100 percent DAC requirement for manual LPG bookings. The request cited challenges such as difficult terrain and poor network connectivity in the state, which affect consumers’ ability to complete the process.
Additionally, it was noted that the District Collector, Ms. Anupa Tamling, has also submitted a representation to the Field Officer, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bhagey Khola, highlighting issues faced in LPG booking in urban areas such as Namchi and Jorethang. The representation also advocated for reclassification of these areas from rural to urban status, which would help reduce the waiting period for LPG refills from 45 days to 25 days.
The meeting concluded with the decision that monthly review meetings will continue under the supervision of the District Collector until the issues are fully resolved.
Today's meeting was attended by the Additional District Collector (HQ) Mr Subhash Ghimirey, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Mani Kumar Tamang, SDM (Namchi) Mr Wangyal Sherpa, MEO (Namchi) Mr Yogen Syanden, LPG distributors including Timsina Bharat Gas ( Namthang), Nayuma Indane (Namchi), Melli Durgam, Yangang Indane, Kritan HP Gas (Ravangla) and officials from the Food & Civil Supplies Department.
Report From DIO Namchi