Mangaluru : Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) launched a campaign to declare neighbouring villages of Yekkar, Bajpe and Malavoor Grama Panchayats ‘Smoke Free’ at a function at MRPL on 13th June 2018.

The program was inaugurated by Umanath Kotian, Hon’ble MLA, Mulki-Moodabidri in the presence of elected representatives, invited dignitaries and Management of MRPL led by M Venkatesh, Managing Director and Shri A.K.Sahoo, Director (Finance). Dr. Bharat Shetty, Hon’ble MLA Mangalore North also participated in the program.

MRPL has identified villages under three Grama Panchayats (GP) in its surroundings and decided to make them smoke free. About 132 families belonging to the villages under these Panchayats have been distributed the free LPG kits. In addition to these, 161 left over families belonging to Chelairu, Soorinje, Permude, Jokatte Panchayats were also distributed the LPG kits. Earlier in 2016 & 2017, MRPL had distributed LPG kits to 372 BPL families identified from Bala, Chelairu, Soorinje, Permude and Jokatte. So far, these families had been using firewood or kerosene as fuel which will be replaced with LPG. MRPL is bearing the cost of the gas kit as well as the gas stove which is provided to these beneficiaries free of cost under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

Ganesh Arbi, President Malavoor GP and Suresh Shetty, President, Yekkar GP declared their respective Grama Panchayat Villages smoke free.

Umanath Kotian speaking on the occasion thanked MRPL for taking steps towards fulfilling the dream of our PM to turn all the villages of our country smoke free. This will also help to improve the health of the women folk he said. He also advised the beneficiaries to take utmost precautions while using the LPG.

Dr. Bharat Shetty spoke on the occasion and said that MRPL is doing a great job in helping these families and wished them to continue to do such good work.

M Venkatesh, Managing Director, MRPL spoke and said that he is proud to help the needy in the surrounding villages. MRPL has identified 293 families and helped them this year under its CSR program and the company is extending this benefit within the framework of Govt. rules and guidelines, he said.