Himachal to seek increase in quota of kerosene: Minister

The Himachal Pradesh government would seek hike in kerosene quota to meet its demand as the monthly quota of the state has been reduced from 5,411 kilo litres to 1,208 kilo litres, state minister Kishan Kapoor said today.

Addressing media persons here, the food and civil supplies and consumer affairs minister said he would meet the Union petroleum minister seeking increase in kerosene quota, keeping in view the hilly terrain and topographical constraints as requirements of hills were different from other states.

Besides the tough terrain, the people have to brave the vagaries of weather like snowfall and rains that cause damage to roads, affecting LPG supply and also the Forest Conservation Act restricts collection of fuel wood from forests.

"As kerosene is the second alternative suited for cooking requirements for the public, there is need increase quota of kerosene," he said.

He said that 88.6 per cent of the ration cards have been linked with Aadhar to weed out fakes and also bring in transparency in the Public Distribution System.

To facilitate the ration card holders, a mobile app for Android-based smartphones has also been developed by the department that provides all the relevant information to the consumers.

Through this app, consumers can know about their entitlement of food grains, adding that with the help of this app, ration card holders can take ration without producing the physical ration cards.

The app also has a simple feedback facility through which the consumer can easily send feedback related to their fair price shop.