Difficult to supply commercial cylinders to hotels for about a week or 10 days: K'taka Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa told the Legislative Council on Friday that supplying commercial cylinders to hotels or restaurants will be difficult for about a week or ten days because there is no stock.
Amid supply constraints caused by the West Asia conflict, he, however, said there are indications that the situation will improve in coming days.
"Today, I again held a meeting with oil companies, along with our department's secretary and commissioner. The commercial gas will be supplied for essential places like hospitals, hostels, residential schools. For now, there is a supply issue. By and large, the situation will improve and supplies will smoothen after one week," Muniyappa said.
He said commercial gas cylinder supplies will be ensured for essential services like hospitals and student hostels.
"It will be difficult to supply commercial cylinders to hotels for about a week or ten days as there is no stock. If there is stock, 20-25 per cent can be supplied. Companies have assured that whatever is there in stock will be supplied to essential services, and they are supplying," he said, adding that he has also asked the companies to ensure supplies to autos that run on LPG gas.
The minister was responding to questions raised by Congress MLCs Nagaraju Yadav and Ivan D'Souza during zero hour.
Asking hotels to be patient for a few days, the minister said, "I have suggested hotels use alternatives like electric stoves, among others, and prepare food only in the quantity required for a week or ten days. There are indications that the situation will improve in a week to ten days."
"Two vessels have come (from the Middle East). Ten to twelve more vessels are likely to come from that region. I'm not giving assurance, as they are yet to start from there. With two vessels on the way, there will be some improvement in the situation. Once others start from there, necessary arrangements can be made here for supplies," he said.
Instructions have been given to the deputy commissioners in the districts to take necessary action as per the Essential Commodities Act against those indulging in illegalities concerning gas supplies, such as black marketing, Muniyappa said.
There are complaints about gas cylinders being sold at double the rate, and the police commissioner and DGP have been asked to keep watch on this, and to ensure that there is no black marketing, he added.
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
