Punjab minister uncovers weight discrepancies at gas warehouses

The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak, today conducted surprise raids at the godowns of various gas agencies at Sirhind and found glaring discrepancies in the weighing scales, thus taking strong notice of the matter. Terming it as the sheer exploitation of the gas consumers, the minister warned that malpractices of any kind simply won't be tolerated by the Punjab government.

The minister also said that the state government led by the chief minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, has given strict directions against the undue harassment and financial loot of the gas consumers. If any gas agency owner is indulging in such nefarious activities, then severe action would be initiated as per the rules.

Taking strong note of the bypassing of the rules by some gas agencies' owners with regard to the Weighing scales of the gas cylinders, Mr. Kataruchak cautioned that there is zero tolerance against such bunglings. He directed the DFSC concerned to initiate departmental proceedings against the gas agencies violating rules and tolerate no laxity in this regard.

The minister also appealed to the gas consumers to get their gas cylinders weighed in at the time of gas supply so as to ensure no malpractice. He further revealed that it is mandatory for the suppliers of gas but it is sometimes seen that this rule is given a go by which is a clear violation of norms. At some places the weighing scales are not government authorized, said the minister. He got the gas cylinders weighed in his presence at some of the spots and took feedback from the gas consumers in connection with the working of gas agencies and behavior.

On the occasion, Controller from Headquarters Manohar Singh and DFSC Meenakshi were present too.