Poor supply of kerosene oil which is crucial for every household to run their kitchens in hilly and remote villages of the Nainital district, has come as a major concern for the people who are already battling hard with natural calamities in these areas.
Though quota of the kerosene oil has been distributed among the ration card- holders for the month of June. But given the demand of kerosene oil i.e. 990 Kl per month, supply of this domestic cooking oil was only 313 Kl in June showing a shortfall of 677 Kl in Nainital district. The available quota of kerosene oil has been distributed among the ration card holders for the month of June, said Arvind Singh Hyanki, District Magistrate, Nainital.
But the kerosene oil quota of July month has not yet been received, the Nainital District Magistrate, added. However, he maintained that supply of domestic cooking gas is normal in the district. It is worth mention here that as per the laid down Government’s norms, while monthly quota of kerosene oil for a ration card holder in plains is 5 liter per card/month, a ration card holder in hill areas is entitled to have 10 liter kerosene oil per card/ month.
However, the matter of concern is that people in plains can do even without kerosene oil given better facilities like cooking gas in these areas, how do the people living in high altitude remote areas where connectivity has already taken a back seat do without the key component of their household necessity. It may be recalled that about half a dozen roads linking different parts still remain blocked in rural and hilly areas of Nainital district restricting the mobility of people to a great extent and disrupting supply of even essential commodities from market areas.
However, the District Magistrate informed that about 12369.78 quintal wheat, 10996.76 quintal rice and 2127.00 quintal sugar are presently available with the district.
At the same time, the APl cardholders will be able to get 10 kg wheat and 5 kg rice per card, while 10.250 kg wheat and 24.750 kg rice per card will be given to BPl cardholders in July month. Besides, the antoday card holders will be able to get 10.460 kg wheat and 24.540 kg rice in the same month, added the official concerned of Nainital district administration.