LPG Subsidy Suspension: Aadhaar biometric verification has been made mandatory for all consumers using cooking gas for household purposes. The central government has clearly directed everyone to complete their e-KYC by March 31st every year under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). If any of the consumer fail to complete their e-KYC will result in the suspension of their LPG subsidy. These orders have been passed by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
In line with this, oil companies are setting targets for distributors and conducting e-KYC drives. As per the report, across the state, there are almost 1.5 crore domestic gas consumers. But, only 60% of them have completed their e-KYC till now. Right now in India, the major suppliers of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders are Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
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As per the ministry guidelines themselves, these companies are implementing subsidy schemes. According to the latest orders, if Ujjwala beneficiaries fail to complete their annual e-KYC, the subsidy for the 8th and 9th cylinders in a year will be stopped. The most important point to be noted is that if the biometric verification is not completed before March 31st, the subsidy for that year will be cancelled permanently. Still, consumers can book refills and receive gas cylinders, but they have to pay the full price without any subsidy.
Aadhaar Biometric Verification Options:
Users can complete their Aadhaar biometric verification directly through the mobile app. For this, there is a dedicated QR code which you can find in your nearest gas distribution center. In some cases, delivery staff are also helping consumers complete e-KYC at their doorstep. However, distributors report that consumer response has been poor and the process is progressing slowly.
In this situation, oil companies have warned distributors that fines may be imposed if they fail to collect e-KYC details from consumers. Venkateswara Rao, National President of the All India Gas Dealers Association, said there are many challenges faced by consumers and that it is unfair for oil companies to put such pressure on distributors.