Oil firms firm on Aadhaar for LPG refill

The Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for subsidised LPG refill supply became mandatory in Mysore from October 1, despite the Supreme Court ruling that Aadhaar numbers should not be made mandatory for people to access government-funded schemes.  It was first made mandatory in Tumkur district from September 1 this year. The scheme was also launched in Udupi and Dharwad from October 1. Uttara Kannada and Gadag districts are scheduled to be covered under the scheme starting November 1. As many as 17 other districts, including Bangalore Urban, are expected to be covered under DBT by December this year. The scheme will automatically become mandatory three months after the launch. Domestic LPG consumers have been paying the market price (of about Rs 940 for each refill) in Mysore. Oil marketing companies like IOC, BPC and HPC have been depositing the subsidy amount that each refill carries directly to the consumers’ bank accounts, as per the scheme. The Supreme Court, in its September 24 interim order, said that Aadhaar numbers cannot be made mandatory for obtaining public services and subsidy schemes. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for November 11. "The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has an answer to those who are sceptical about making the Aadhaar-based DBT mandatory: Prima facie, we feel that this is not a violation of the Supreme Court order. Oil marketing companies and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas have already sought modification of the order,” said some officials, who wished to remain unnamed. 65 pc under the scheme Officials said about 65 per cent of LPG consumers have been covered under the scheme in Tumkur and Mysore. Though the Aadhaar coverage is over 98 per cent in both places, the banks are yet to link (seed) the consumers’ Aadhaar numbers with the bank accounts, which is necessary under the DBT scheme. When contacted, IOC Regional Director A K Arora said, "The Supreme Court has not given the final verdict in the case. The oil marketing companies have filed their objections before the court. Therefore, the scheme is implementable and it has been made mandatory in Mysore from October 1. The scheme will be rolled out in other districts in a phased manner.” Deccan Herald