Read this in Hindi:

पेट्रोल पंप आवंटन में ओबीसी को 27 प्रतिशत आरक्षण

NEW DELHI: The oil ministry has for the first time implemented a 27% quota for OBCs (other backward castes) in allotment of petrol pumps , even as it has decided to auction outlets on 'premium sites' and distribute others through lottery with a view to ensuring transparency.The latest round of reforms by the ministry, under the watch of Dharmendra Pradhan , displays a fine blend of welfare politics and sound commercial sense. The reservation will impact power equations in rural areas, while the auction will help maximize revenue and attract serious players.The OBC quota will also apply in the allotment of cooking gas dealerships. Over the last 2-3 months, state-run fuel retailers have advertised 35,668 locations for setting up petrol pumps and 7,000 cooking gas dealerships, both under regular and low-cost rural categories.The allotment policy also provides for 22.5% reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. After the OBC quota, the general category will come down to 49.5%. Reservation for other groups such as sportsmen, former defence personnel and family of martyrs will be accommodated under these three categories.The UPA had decided on the quota in July 2012 but it remained unimplemented. There are more than 40,000 petrol pumps in the country.The ministry has now asked fuel retailers to auction outlets on what it calls 'A Sites'. These are pumps where the retailers spend a minimum of Rs 50-60 lakh for setting up all infrastructure and facilities, even purchase or lease the land. The dealer is then chosen to operate the pumps.Sources said the suggestion for introducing the auction method came from Pradhan during one of his marketing review meetings with oil company executives. "Why should companies spend money for dealers? Let those who mean business bid for a pump," an executive from one of the companies quoted the minister as saying.Scrapping of interview of candidates from the dealer selection process removes one of the major sources of allegations of favouritism and nepotism.The 'A Sites' will have a reserve price of Rs 30-35 lakh, depending upon the location. Those interested in becoming operators will have to bid above this price as per their understanding of the business prospects of a location.In case there is tie with more than one bidder quoting similar price, the selection of the winner will be through lottery. All remaining sites will be allotted through lottery, which has so far been the practice for awarding cooking gas dealerships.