Minister's drive against illegal trade of kerosene

 

COOCH BEHAR, June 23: State food and supply minister Mr Paresh Adhikary personally led an operation accompanied by district controller of food and supply, Mr Shyamal Sil against illegal trade of kerosene in Mathabhanga today. During his drive he learnt of gross irregularities in selling of kerosene meant to residents in government stipulated price rate. As his drive plan somehow leaked out he found almost all the kerosene outlets closed in Mathabhanga.

 

It was learnt that state food and supply department had issued eighty-nine licences to sell kerosene to residents at not more than Rs 9.50 per litre. There are 38 licensees in Cooch Behar Sadar, 35 in Mathabhanga, 8 in Tufanganj, 5 in Dinhata and 3 in Mekhliganj sub-divisions. Each licensee gets 400-litres kerosene per month. But the minister received several complaints from different sources that the licence holders were not selling the kerosene at fair price. The huge quantity of kerosene is going to clandestine market. They are reportedly selling out the kerosene at the rate of Rs 15 to Rs 30. The main purchasers are passenger vehicle owners who run their vehicles with kerosene mixed with diesel in Mathabhanga. It is also available for general buyers at a higher price. To study the situation the minister decided to make an on-the-spot survey.

 

During the drive Mr Adhikary boarded a rented car to hide his identity. He found almost all the outlets closed. In a place he noticed that there was no signboard, no documents or any receipts about the sell procedure. But at each place he got locals who poured numerous complaints against the unscrupulous kerosene traders. Mr Adhikary said, "I came to examine the allegations I already received. I want people's co-operation to draw an end to such irregularities." He assured the locals that he would do his best to stop corruption by conducting raids regularly.

 

On the otherhand, Mr Arjun Dutta, secretary of Cooch Behar District MR Dealers' Association, welcomed the drive initiated by the state food and supply minister. He opined that the people were being deceived due to the dishonest activity of the so-called licensed kerosene dealers. The minister should take a strict action against them, he said. []

 

PHOTO : State food and supply minister Mr Paresh Adhikary.