Opting out of subsidy regime is yet to catch people’s attention in Jharkhand as the figure of sensible citizens capable of living without the support given by the government on lPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is yet unknown and even intelligent guess doesn’t present an encouraging picture for the innovative strategy coming straight out of PMO’s (prime minister’s office) corridors to cut government’s spending on lPG.
The ‘opt-out of subsidy’ strategy was introduced last month to cut the burden of subsidy on government struggling to manage higher fiscal deficit and do it without raking up protest from people who despite their affluence consider it a matter of right at par with those living in abject poverty. The initiative was rolled out in July and since then lPG companies are making efforts in the direction of making people join the benign cause.
“We don’t have figures as of now but that would not have gone beyond double digit in Jharkhand,” said IOC official Uday Kumar.
The noble idea, however, is being popularized in a very bland manner that doesn’t reflect the motive of the decision intended at improving living standard of those who are still dreaming of cooking gas in their kitchen while the rich continue to enjoy unqualified support from government on lPG prices. The OMCs in Jharkhand have put up display at few retail outlets in the city and has been motivating people through a rigorous SMS campaign to join the movement.
But the dealers on their part have not received any official communication from the respective OMCs as the strategy first aims to persuade stake holders in the industry to join the first movement of its kind.
“There is still not enough buzz about the scheme. However, we are happy with the scheme as we all know the status of government treasuries. If people associate themselves with the movement voluntarily then it is good (for the country),” maintained Chairman of Petroleum Committee of FJCCI, Ravi Bhatt.
As per the directive of oil ministry, OMCs will facilitate surrender of subsidy by encouraging people to register them at the portal of corresponding companies that will guide them through the procedure to become part of tribe whose name will feature prominently on the website to extol enriching contribution to the fragile economy yearning for stability and provide cover to the poorest of poor by mobilizing resources from those who not need it to those are desperate for it. The Government of India initiative has been welcomed by a small section of Ranchiites who share the concern of doing away with the unnecessary support to the people who can afford additional amount.
“It is a good step but I believe that nuclear families would be more interested in this due to low spending on cooking gas. In contrast large families will hesitate in becoming part of this strategy. But the government is not forcing people to join the movement and by doing that it had maintained the tag of a welfare state,” said Balwant Kumar, an employee of Reliance Communications.
The plan as envisaged will aim at oil-sector employees and then it will try to woo employees of state-owned firms while letting the gates open for affluent class as and when they want to support government’s initiative. But companies will need to do lot more to make people understand the impact of their contribution on the economy. So far the OMCs have not thought of next level of advertisement to make it a mass movement.
“There is lukewarm response to this scheme so companies need to advertise it more so that people can associate themselves with this movement,” added Bhatt.