Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Apr 10 :
The Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Kashmir, Office of the Assistant Director Anantnag (Executive Magistrate Ist Class), has issued show cause notices to three LPG distributorships operating in Anantnag district over alleged irregularities in LPG distribution and violation of statutory provisions.
As per the notices issued to three gas agencies in the district as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the action has been initiated on the basis of inspections, consumer complaints and official reports highlighting serious lapses in service delivery.
The department has observed that there have been repeated complaints of undue delays and non-delivery of LPG cylinders to registered consumers despite confirmed bookings, with reports of delays extending up to 60 days in several areas.
It further states that consumer grievances were either not addressed or were inadequately resolved, indicating alleged negligence in grievance redressal mechanisms.
The notices also take serious note of reports regarding issuance of false or fake delivery confirmation messages without actual supply of LPG cylinders to consumers.
In addition, one of the agencies has been accused of distributing LPG cylinders from unauthorized locations despite repeated directions from the concerned authorities.
The department has stated that the alleged acts amount to violations of the LPG (Regulation) Order, 2000 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, particularly Section 7 thereof, besides constituting deficiency in service and unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
All three agencies have been directed to submit their replies within three days along with supporting documents, failing which action as deemed fit under relevant laws shall be initiated without further notice. (KNC)