Karnataka to go easy on illegal LPG consumers

Twenty-five lakh families who face the threat of their LPG gas connections being scrapped could heave a sigh relief as chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday assured that the move has been put on hold for now.

The assurance comes in the wake of anxiety that has gripped consumers who have failed to provide necessary documents like electricity bill, ration card or address proof as their gas connections have been declared illegal by the food and civil supplies department. The department recently issued an order asking gas supply agencies to cancel these connections.

“The government will not suspend supply of LPG cylinders to consumers who have more than one connection or who have failed to furnish the necessary documents to support their connection. The government would not do anything to harm hapless families. There is no need to panic about disconnection,” said Gowda after inaugurating the new building of the Karnataka Commercial Tax Service (Officers) Association.

Gowda also stated that he had already instructed the food and civil supplies department not to go ahead with its LPG disconnection drive. He said any action against illegal domestic LPG gas connections would be taken gradually after giving adequate time to consumers to avoid the harsh action.

Only after proper verification of documents would the connections be suspended.

Referring to functioning of the commercial tax department, Gowda said he had instructed the officials to plug leakages in collection of taxes from traders.