OMCs and CSC to collaborate in overcoming last mile challenges in LPG services

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) – IOC, HPCL & BPCL – and Common Service Centre (CSC), e-Governance Services India Ltd., have signed a MoU for collaboration in LPG services.

As per the MoU, CSC will help OMCs services such as booking new LPG connection (‘Ujjwala’ & General category), booking of LPG refills (14.2-kg cylinders) and supply & distribution of LPG cylinders (storage up to 100-kg) through CSCs at their doorstep. Beneficiaries can collect their gas cylinder from their nearby CSC.

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is appointing one ‘Ujjwala Didi’ for every five villages whose prime responsibility is to support and give service to ‘Ujjwala’ beneficiaries.

Use of technology

Speaking on the Occasion, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said the MoU will help in addressing the challenges in reaching rural and far-flung areas, by appropriate use of the technology and harnessing the entrepreneur spirit of the people of India. As CSCs work at the grass root level, they will help in reaching people at the bottom of the pyramid. He added that a pilot scheme is already running and he expects to involve over 1 lakh CSCs, particularly in rural area, in next 2-3 months.

Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Law & Justice and Electronics & Information Technology, said that this is an apt example of digital inclusion, and using technology for the benefit of the common man. The number of CSCs has increased almost four-fold in last four and half years, and they are offering a bouquet of services, largely in non-metro areas.