Raise kerosene quota of state, MP says in RS

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Raise kerosene quota of state, MP says in RS

BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, May 17

Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Singh Mahra has demanded in the Upper House that the kerosene quota for Uttarakhand be increased as over 75 per cent of the people in nine of the 13 districts are suffering due to reduction in the quota by the Central government.

“As these people reside in areas above 6,000 feet in Uttarakhand and get low voltage electricity supply, it needs kerosene oil to warm up their houses, besides for cooking,” said Mahendra Singh Mahra in the Rajya Sabha.

The MP said the kerosene quota, which was at 26,752 kilo litre before 2012, had been reduced to 8,956 kilo litre at present, causing fuel problems for villagers living in interior areas of hill districts as they could not depend on forests for firewood due to strict forest laws. “We want the kerosene oil quota for the state to be raised to address the fuel problem of residents of remote areas,” said Mahra.

He added he expected the Central government to address the issue urgently in the interest of people.