Govt gives 195 temporary ROs to SC/ STs ... 114 allotted to women beneficiaries

Stressing on upliftment of backward classes, in a major move the Government of India (GoI) allotted temporary Retail Outlets to 114 SC, ST women out of 195 beneficiaries here on Wednesday under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

According to ministry officials, during the earlier regimes 6000 Retail Outlets were operated among 54000 Retail Outlets, but this NDA government is trying to enhance the number in upcoming days. The amendment to the scheme of divestment was already approved by the ministry in the last year-- envisages allotment of temporary COCOs to pending SC, ST Letters of Intent Holders (LoI) and Widows and unmarried women, who are above 40 years of age without earning parents.

The amended scheme also provides support to SC, ST dealers, who have lost their Retail Outlets due to acquisition of land by Government or Government bodies and the holders, who have been handed over ROs but couldn't retain possession due to court case or litigation. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has extended this divestment scheme to these beneficiaries.

While addressing the event at the Constitution Club of India here the Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan mentioned that, "As part of the initiative to extend divestment scheme to SC, ST and Women beneficiaries, the Oil Marketing Companies under the guidance of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas have offered 525 temporary COCOs to SC, ST LoI holders/eligible dealers."

Adding further Pradhan also said, "So far, 195 SC, ST LoI holders/eligible dealers have opted for issuance of LoI for the allotment of temporary COCO outlets. Of the 195, 114 have been allotted to women (53 SC, 15 ST, 46 Widows and unmarried women over 40 years of age)."

Other Union Ministers Thawar Chand Gehlot and Jual Oram also present at the event and also allotted letters of temporary COCO outlets to 16 beneficiaries from across the country.