Editor-in-Chief Vinay Kochhar reports… Amritsar, Chandigarh.
Thousands of consumers have been facing problems for several months due to the suspension of the PUNSUP (Bharat Gas) agency for the last six months. Consumers are blaming the local administration for this. Consumers have demanded an impartial investigation against the responsible officials from the Bhagwant Mann government of India and the state. It is being said that the real reason behind all this is the black marketing by clerks, officers and employees. If an investigation is conducted, everything will become clear and it will be known who all might have been involved in this.
..What exactly is causing the problem?
Indeed, consumers now have to go out themselves to obtain LPG cylinders. Furthermore, they have to travel approximately 15 kilometers to get there. Due to the agency’s suspension, the door-to-door delivery system has been completely suspended. The situation has become so dire that consumers have been unable to receive cylinders for the past month and a half. Furthermore, due to the protection of the officials, the exploitative activities of the employees are gradually coming to light. It is being reported that these employees sold a single consumer’s cylinder two or three times for thousands of rupees. A large number of complaints have been received, yet the incompetent administration has not yet provided justice to anyone.
How did the black marketing spree unfold? Who all were involved? Find out in this special report…?
According to the report, senior officials, clerks, and employees are believed to be key players in this racket. It’s being reported that so much black marketing has occurred in the past month and a half that there seems to be no end in sight. There are rumors that the state government has received some complaints, and a high-level committee could be formed at any time. This has left them feeling disheartened, fearing the loss of their jobs and legal action if their secrets are exposed. Reports suggest that they have begun cultivating connections with people previously involved in politics to combat this. However, they are unaware that the matter has reached a prominent opposition leader, potentially disrupting the government’s functioning in the near future.
Rumors…Some Gas Agencies Are Being Benefited
Rumors are also rife that this entire game is being played to benefit certain agencies on a large scale. Following the suspension of an agency, thousands of connections were transferred to some agency operators. Reliable sources have revealed that these agency operators have influence with the central and state governments. Furthermore, they also provide them with political donations. Therefore, it is incumbent on these governments to appease these individuals. If they refuse to do so, it could create significant problems for these parties in the upcoming elections.
A 954 cylinder is being sold in the black market for 2,500 to 3,000 rupees.
Currently, the price of a gas cylinder is fixed at around 954 rupees. Consequently, the needy are being sold in the black market for 2,500 to 3,000 rupees. It is being claimed that government patronage is fully aiding the black marketeers in this game. They are fully encouraging this racket. Instead of taking action against them, consumers are being advised to file complaints. It has been learned that numerous online complaints have been filed, but despite this, no action has been taken against anyone yet. This is emboldening black marketers, and consumers are blaming everyone from the administration to the government.
Listen, the administration’s standard response
Everyone, from the highest-level officials to the lowest-level employees of the government department overseeing Bharat Gas Agency, has the same standard response: the company has been suspended for the past six months. We can’t do anything. The question arises: if your department can’t do anything, where should consumers go with their complaints? This also points to the complete corruption in this system. The Bhagwant Mann government, which claims to be honest, impartial, and compassionate, should also take note of this difficult situation. An investigation should be ordered as a priority to quickly reform this system. This will give consumers confidence that the AAP government has the courage to act on behalf of the public.