27 per cent reservation for OBCs in petrol pump allotment

New Delhi, Dec 10: For the first time, the Oil Ministry has implemented 27 per cent quota for OBCs in allotment of petrol pumps.

Beside this, in an attempt to ensure transparency in the whole process, the Ministry has decided to auction outlets on ‘premium sites' and distribute others through lottery.

According to a Times of India report, the OBC quota will also apply in allotment of cooking gas dealerships.

The report said the state-run fuel retailers have been advertising at 35,668 locations for the setting up of petrol pumps and 7, 000 cooking gas dealerships.

Beside OBC, the allotment policy gives 22.5% reservation to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Following Oil Ministry's order of giving 27 per cent quota to OBC, the general category will come down to 49.5%.

In addition, physically handicapped, paramilitary/police and defence personnel, freedom fighters and outstanding sports persons would also get reservation in each of the three categories -- SC/ST, OBC and General.

However, this decision was taken by the previous UPA regime in July 2012 but it was not implemented.

The Ministry has asked fuel retailers to auction outlets, 'A Sites', which have a reserve price of Rs 30-35 lakh. The retailers spend a minimum of Rs 50- Rs 60 lakh for setting up all infrastructures at these sites.

OneIndia News