Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas was held in Srinagar on 21st April, 2017. Following Hon’ble Members of Parliament participated in the meeting – Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Shri Chandrakant Bhaurao Khaire, Sh. Harinder Singh Khalsa, Shri Janak Ram, Shri Murali Mohan Maganti, Shri Narasimham Thota, Shri Ninong Ering, Shri Satya Pal Singh, Shri Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas, Dr Ravindra Babu Pandula, Col. (Retd.) Sona Ram Choudhary, Shri Tamradhwaj Sahu, Shri Tariq Anwar, Shri Vikaram Usendi, Shri Ranjib Biswal and Shri Ravi Prakash Verma.
A presentation on the topic “Digital Modes of Payment – Promotion of cashless transactions” was made during the meeting. The Hon’ble Members gave their valuable inputs and suggestions to further promote the digital modes of payment by way of cashless transactions. Chairing the meeting, Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed all the Members of the Consultative Committee. Shri Pradhan emphasized on the efforts made by the Ministry and the OMCs to promote digital payments at fuel stations. He informed that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas took the lead role in digital payment promotion drive. A three pronged strategy was followed ie rapid expansion of digital payment infrastructure at fuel stations, massive awareness campaign and incentivizing consumers. He informed that 38,128 ROs are with POS and more than 86% of ROs have digital infrastructure today. Over 35,000 consumer awareness campaigns have been organized in the country, in all major regional languages. Shri Pradhan said that in order to promote digital transactions by consumers OMCs are giving 0.75% discount to the customers on purchase of fuel through cashless mode. Over 72,000 e wallets have also been activated.
Shri Pradhan said that the daily cashless transactions have increased from Rs 150 Cr per day to Rs 400 Cr per day. He apprised Hon’ble Members on the MoPNG e Seva, a dedicated social media grievance redressal platform for oil and gas related complaints. He added that Swachh Petrol Pump App is an initiative where citizens can give feedback on the status of toilets at fuel stations.
The Minister reiterated that the Ministry does not approve or endorse the move by a section of petrol pump dealers to close down fuel stations on Sundays. He said fuel conservation as a major campaign is being carried out by PCRA and OMCs under the guidance of the Ministry. Shri Pradhan thanked the Members for their valuable inputs and observations and said that the inputs would be considered and deliberated on for possible solutions to issues.
