Jaya writes to PM demanding more allocation of kerosene

"The sudden drastic reduction of the allotment of kerosene to the state from 52,806 KL for the months of April and May, 2011, to 44,580 KL in June, 2011, caused great hardship. After the AIADMK government came to power in this state, the allotment was further reduced to 39,429 KL for the quarter April 2012-June 2012, without any reason or logic," she said.

Recalling her earlier demands, made through letters and during her meeting with him, the chief minister said she had demanded for an allocation of 65,140 kilolitres, the original requirement of the state, or at least "52,806 KL per month to tide over the acute shortage of kerosene faced by the people of Tamil Nadu."

Now the Centre had given a monthly allotment of 42,460 KL with an increase of just over 3,000 KL per month and this increase was "negligible," when compared to the "drastic reduction" effected earlier, she said, adding that this has put her government to "great hardship."

"As Tamil Nadu's PDS kerosene requirement is 65,140 KL per month, I once again request you to allot at least 52,806 KL per month which was the allotment at the time when my government assumed power in the state.

"I hope you will also co-operate with me in mitigating the sufferings of the rural poor and the vulnerable population segment in the state," she said in the letter.