Workers to be issued gas cylinders based on Aadhaar

Surat: Workers can now get cooking gas cylinders with an application from their employer on a letterhead and a copy of the worker's Aadhaar card. This was announced after a meeting of govt officials and industry representatives. Concerns were raised by Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SGCCI) about the issues getting cooking gas for workers and demanded that gas cylinders be issued based on Aadhaar cards.A meeting was held in the city on Saturday to address gas supply issues affecting industry and to ensure availability of cooking gas for workers. The meeting chaired by Gujarat Gas managing director Avantika Singh with representatives of industry and business present.The meeting was attended by SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi, vice-president Ashok Jirawala, industry representatives Vijay Mevawala, CA Mitish Modi and others. South Gujarat Textile Processors Association director Vinod Agrawal and senior Gujarat Gas officials and the district supply officials also attended.District supply officials told participants that all dealers of petroleum companies have started supplying 5-kg and 3-kg gas cylinders. Under this arrangement, industrial units seeking cylinders for workers must submit an application on the company letterhead with the worker's name and a copy of the worker's Aadhaar card to the nearest gas supplier. Delivery will be made based on stock availability. Replacement of the cylinders will also be carried out. The arrangement has been announced to prevent migration of workers.It was also announced that the process for PNG connections has been simplified significantly. Approval and connection timeline has been reduced from 45 days to seven. SGCCI will send details of industrial areas where gas lines are not yet available and will play an active coordinating role between industrial associations and the gas company.The industry representative also demanded gas pipeline networks in the industrial areas of Sachin, Palsana, Pandesara, Kim-Pipodara, Sayan and Mangrol in Surat district.