UIDAI, Petroleum Ministry sign MoU to curb petroleum pilferage

NEW DELHI - The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Petroleum Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday aiming to curb pilferage of Public Distribution System (PDS) kerosene and domestic LPG and to facilitate close coordination on the ‘Aadhaar’ project.

As per the MoU, the oil marketing companies like the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Power Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) will act as registrars for the UIDAI on behalf of the Ministry for implementation of the project.

The 12-digit unique number that the UIDAI will generate will be combined with the smart card project of the Oil Ministry for distribution of PDS kerosene and domestic LPG through biometric identification of beneficiaries.

UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani said Rs 50 would be given to the oil companies for every enrollment done.

“This partnership is something we are looking forward, which will help in de-duplication and authentication. The focus would be on BPL families and village communities,” said Nilekani.

The Petroleum Ministry said the de-duplication process and the online authentication that the UIDAI offers will enhance the efficiency of oil companies in delivering services to the increasing customer base.

“The biometric smart card-based distribution of PDS SKO (superior kerosene oil) and LPG pilot project will be executed along with the Andhra Pradesh Government. The initial pilots would be held in the city of Hyderabad, Mysore and Tumkur. Selected blocks in the city of Pune are also proposed to be covered under the pilot,” said an official from the Petroleum Ministry

Oil Ministry Joint Secretary Apurva Chandra and UIDAI Deputy Director General K Ganga signed the MoU in the presence of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora. (ANI)