Mini Gas Agency Scheme

• 15 Dec 2023

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on December 14, 2023, Uttarakhand Rural Development Department has started 'Mini Gas Agency Scheme' to refill the LPG cylinders in remote hilly areas of the state when they run out.

Key Points:

• After the launch of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in the state, gas cylinders have reached every home, but especially in the hilly areas, one still has to wait a long time or go many kilometres to get the cylinder refilled. To overcome this problem, the Rural Development Department has started the Mini Gas Agency Scheme.
• Additional Secretary and Rural Development Department Commissioner Anand Swaroop said that Kimini Gas Agency will be operated by women associated with self-help groups; they have been named 'Eandhan Sakhi'.
• This scheme has been started in four districts as a pilot project. Soon the scheme will start in other districts also. Till now, a total of 61 Fuel Sakhis including 40 women from Uttarkashi, 16 from Tehri and five from Haridwar have been prepared.
• Women will be given training to operate a mini gas agency by HP Company. For this, the government has signed an agreement with HP company. In the coming days, similar agreements will be signed with other oil companies also.
• Five filled gas cylinders will be available at all times in the Mini Gas Agency. Eandhan Sakhi will get a commission of up to Rs 20 on every cylinder from the company. Commission will also be given by the company on burner, stove, its service, gas pipe, giving new connections, DBC connection. One thousand rupees will be given separately for spreading publicity in every village.
• Rural Development Department Commissioner Anand Swaroop said that this scheme has two objectives. First, to increase the income of women of self-help groups and second, to provide gas easily to remote areas.