LPG in DBT: PMO writes to Oil Ministry

With LPG set to be included in the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) subsidy scheme, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has written to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas asking it to expedite preparations for the roll out in 20 districts from May 15.
The Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Pulok Chatterji has written to Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Vivek Rae underlining the need for ensuring that consumer database with marketing companies and bank accounts is seeded with Aadhaar numbers.
The financial transactions will have to be managed by the three oil marketing companies (OMCs) -- IOC, HPCL and BPCL -- without having to deal with intermediate agencies, Chatterji wrote, adding "this is a good base to begin from."

The letter recalls the decision of the National Committee on DBT, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on April 5 to roll out the transfer of LPG subsidy through DBT in 20 districts with effect from May 15, 2013.
The roll out is to take place in other districts after crossing a certain threshold in Aadhaar enrolment in each district.
"I am writing to you to highlight the importance of expediting the steps that need to be taken by your Ministry to ensure the timely roll out," Chatterji told Rae.
"The numbers involved and the money to be transacted are much larger than in any other scheme under DBT so far. I am confident that with dedication and effort, Ministry of P&NG and the OMCs will be able to roll out the transfer of LPG subsidy through DBT successfully on May 15,2013," he said.

He said the Ministry would need to move a note to the Cabinet and obtain whatever approvals are necessary for the roll out.