• Odisha not cooperating in Ujjwala implementation: Oil secy

    Odisha not cooperating in Ujjwala implementation: Oil secy

    Bhubaneswar: For the second time in a fortnight, the Centre has complained that the state government is extending due cooperation in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), touted Narendra Modi government’s largest political initiative, in which subsidized cooking gas cylinders are given to poor families. This has resulted in cold war of sorts between the BJP and the BJD.

    In a letter dated August 31 (copy with TOI) to chief secretary AP Padhi, petroleum and natural gas secretary K D Tripathi said government premises as venues for MPUY programmes were being cancelled even after confirmation of allotment just before the functions.

    Earlier on August 13, Tripathi in another letter to the chief secretary had said that disturbances were being created by ruling party men, including an MLA at Nimapara in Puri district. He had given instances of law and order situation at Nimapara, Athagarh and Nabarangpur.

    Stating that the scheme is meant for the benefit of the poor women, Tripathi in his latest latter requested the state to extend all cooperation for the scheme.

    Terming Tripathi’s letter politically motivated, BJD spokesperson S N Patro said the letter has no meaning. “BJP is using the government events like party forums. Instead of inviting the local MLAs and MPs to PMUY programmes, the saffron party is inviting its ow leaders. That is the reason why people are protesting,” Patro said.

    Countering the BJD, BJP spokesperson Sameer Mohanty said the regional party fears LPG to the poor women will increase BJP’s popularity. The BJD is reacting violently because it is scared. It should however understand that the cooking gas is for benefit of the poor,” he said.

    Odisha is one of the identified priority state for implementation of PMUY. The Centre aims to provide LPG connections to five crore BPL women in the country in three years. The BPL families get connection by paying Rs 990 for the burner and market price of the gas while seeking a new connection while the subsidy amount is credited in their bank accounts. Wes Horton Jersey

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