Mangalore : District in-charge minister B. Ramanath Rai said that the district administration is ready to provide domestic gas connection to households at a subsidized price and make Mangalore a kerosene-free city from November 1.

Speaking to the media at DC’s office on September 16, Tuesday Rai said that, the gas connection to the households coming under Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) and Ullala town municipal in the first phase.

Rai said that, Mangalore will be first to initiate the programme. Most of the developed countries do not use kerosene since it is harmful to health and the environment.

He also said that, the population under the Mangalore City Corporation and Ullala Town municipal is 5,75,000. There are 19,781 families coming under BPL and AAY out of 73,465 ration card holders.

Whereas, 12,000 families coming under BPL card holders already have gas connections and if rest of the 7,500 families shift to gas connections there city will be kerosene free.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said that, BPL cardholders have to approach Mangalore City Corporation officials, who will arrange them to get gas connections in the funds alloted for the welfare of SCs/STs (22.75%), families from economically weaker section of society (7.25%) and those with disabilities (3%). However, beneficiaries from Ullal must approach the Ullal Town Municipal Council.

The families which do not come under these categories can contact district administration who will make arrangement for bank loans. The SCDCC bank is ready to pay Rs 4,000 for each household with a monthly installment of Rs 200, he said.

DC also said that, the district administration will organize a special camp on October 8-9 and 18-19, in places such as Lal Bagh, Surathkal, Kavoor and Ullal to apply for the gas connections.

Each camp will comprise of representatives from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, bank and gas distributors.
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