The data is being entered in a prescribed format, wherein name of the LPG consumer, her/his RR number, LPG distributor number and ration card number, if any, are entered.
The aim is to create a database which gives a picture of how many consumers each LPG distributor has, location (residential address) of the consumers and their ration card numbers. There are 107 LPG distributors in Bangalore.
The data entry is on 24/7 across all cities and towns, including Bangalore. In Bangalore, Deputy Directors of all six divisions have been entrusted with the task of entering the data. Besides, a Food Inspector has been deputed at all LPG distribution centres to ensure hassle-free submission of details by people, the department Secretary B A Harish Gowda said.
The documents that are bring collected at LPG distributors are taken to centres where data entry is being done. After the data entry, the documents are being preserved so that they can be used for cross verification, if necessary.
Wrong details
There are instances wherein people have submitted wrong details. For instance, instead of photocopy of the electricity bills, people have submitted water supply bills. Such documents are kept in a separate file. “In such cases, people will be given an opportunity to submit the required document. Or such defects will get rectified during physical inspection of RR numbers for which a separate drive will be taken up,” Gowda said.
“The department wants to match the database with that of RR number database maintained by the electricity supply companies like Bescom. Once this work is done, there will be only one LPG connection and ration card to a RR number or household. Bogus connections and cards automatically get eliminated,” he explained.
Of about 23 lakh LPG consumers in Bangalore, nearly 15 lakh LPG consumers have so far furnished the details. It is estimated that there are about 14 to 16 lakh genuine LPG connections in Bangalore. The department, therefore, believes that nearly 75 to 80 per cent of people (genuine consumers) have already furnished the details.
Those who have more than one connection (in other words bogus connection), will not declare it and such connections will be cancelled.
Erring distributors
An LPG distributor in Vijayanagar was found forcing his customers who did not have ration cards to give a written declaration that action can be initiated against them if they furnish false details.
Kalpana Indane Gas Agency made the consumers sign such a declaration form, though the Food and Civil Supplies department has not authorised it to do so.
“I do not have a ration card in my name or in the name of any of my family members. In case the statement is found to be false, I request that action may be taken against me as per law,” the declaration stated.
When contacted, the department Deputy Director Vijayakumar said it was unauthorised and steps will be taken to stop the distributor from collecting such declarations.