Aadhaar has put consumers in quandary who are not sure on how to react to an SMS circulated by lPG distributors especially in the wake of the Supreme Court asking a consumer to furnish Aadhar number by the end of December. Several such SMS has confused a consumer about the transfer of subsidy linked to Aadhar number.
“The message surprised me as the Supreme Court has ruled that Aadhar is not mandatory for availing subsidy on lPG cylinders. I called up my gas agency and enquired about the objective of the message in the light of the SC ruling. They did ask anything further and instead of asking for a copy of Aadhar noted down the Aadhar number,” said Sanjay Chauhan, a High Court lawyer.
To the chagrin of people like Chauhan, Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) have expressed helplessness in the matter and suggested continuing with the drive for the remaining days of the grace period. However, the OMCs did not state their position on the subsidy on lPG cylinders.
“This (collection of Aadhar copy) is a continuous process and until a direction from Petroleum Ministry is issued we have to stick to the deadline of December 31,” said lPG Officer, Marketing Subham Kole, adding “The SC has ruled that Aadhar is not mandatory for essential services like lPG cylinders and lPG is not an essential service.”
In the meantime, adamant customers have raised their voice against this drive on grounds of delay in getting Aadhar numbers. Besides, the SC ruling seems to have come to their rescue which they offer as an excuse for not submitting a copy of Aadhar.
“They cannot go against the ruling of SC. Aadhar for availing subsidy is best can be described as administration’s high handedness,” said Rakesh Kumar Pandey, a businessman.