March 7, 2002

    As per the guidelines for allotment of retail outlet dealerships/ LPG distributorships/SKO-LDO dealerships under the discretionary quota the applications are to be scrutinised by a Committee of Directors (Marketing) of the oil marketing companies for Government decision. As per the Supreme Court order and Government decision the number of discretionary allotments in a year shall not exceed 10% of average annual Marketing Plan or 75, whichever is less.

    As on 1^st February, 2002, 1668 applications have been received, including 13 from widows of Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel and 55 from widows of Border Security Force personnel. The applications are being considered and would be decided as early as possible.

    The above information was given by Shri Ram Naik, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.