Pradhan asks OMCs to expedite allotment of outlets to SC, ST candidates -Governance Now

Pradhan asks OMCs to expedite allotment of outlets to SC, ST candidates

As part of the strategy, oil marketing companies allocate 22.5 percent of the new retail outlets to SC and ST candidates

GN Bureau | February 14, 2017

#oil companies #BPCL #IOCL #HPCL #PSU #Dharmendra Pradhan

After finding oil marketing companies (OMCs) lagging behind in meeting their targets, petroleum minister, Dharmendra Pradhan has asked OMCs to step up efforts to allot more retail outlets (ROs) to SC and ST candidates.

During the meeting it was found that there was a huge shortfall with respect to meeting social commitments of the OMCs. After being asked to intensify efforts to benefit SC/ST people, the OMCs have initiated procuring land from various state governments to be exclusively used for facilitating establishment of retail outlets by the SC/ST candidates.

Notably, OMCs like Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have a laid-down policy for promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment of the weaker sections. As part of the strategy, the OMCs allocate 22.5 percent of the new retail outlets to SC and ST candidates. That apart, OMCs also have a well laid-down framework for allotting existing retail outlets to such candidates through divestment of company owned temporary retail outlets.

Pradhan also asked the OMCs to expedite selection process of SC/ST locations. For such applicants, additional time has been allowed to submit land to the OMCs for consideration of their applications for retail outlets.

It was also observed that there was large number of letter of intent (LoI) holders who were awaiting allotment of retail outlets which is primarily done by divesting the temporary company owned ROs. The LoI holders since 2004, belonging to SC/ST community were also awaiting such allotment. A special drive has been initiated to expedite the process of handing over ROs to such candidates.

Around 600 such retail outlets have been identified across the country. It is likely to benefit more than 500 SC/ST candidates, widows and unmarried women without earning parents. This will provide necessary employment opportunity along with economic empowerment.

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