Mamata writes to Modi over allocation of kerosene

Narayangarh (WB), June 13: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to reconsider the decision to reduce allocation of kerosene to the state.

"The decision will cause grave distress to the consumers in remote and tribal areas and will adversely affect the poor, SC, ST, minorities and economically weaker sections of the society," Banerjee said in the letter.

She said in view of this it would not be appropriate to reduce allocation of kerosene, which was essential for basic needs like lighting and cooking by the poor.

"The education of the poor children will also be adversely affected," the letter read. She requested the Prime Minister to reconsider the decision and permit allocation of kerosene to the state as it was in March 2016.

Banerjee today while addressing her first government meeting here in West Midnapore district announced various projects.

She also said the state government had already canceled around 1.41 crore bogus ration cards in order to ensure that benefits of PDS system reach only genuine beneficiaries.

PTI