Patna, March 30 Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit chaired the first meeting of the state's Crisis Management Group (CMG) on Monday to review measures for ensuring a continuous supply of essential commodities and services in light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, officials said.
The state government had constituted the high-level CMG on Saturday to monitor the availability of essential goods, safeguard the interests of migrant workers, and coordinate the state's response to any fallout of the conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Cabinet Secretariat Department, the chief secretary expressed concern over the lack of progress in providing piped natural gas (PNG) connections in 14 districts.
He directed district officials to prepare an action plan in coordination with the nodal department, Food and Consumer Protection, and ensure adequate deployment of manpower, machinery, and contractors to expedite the work.
Officials said that against a target of 3.68 lakh household PNG connections, over 2.30 lakh houses are ready for connections.
The chief secretary also instructed district magistrates and superintendents of police to clear the backlog in LPG supplies at the earliest and conduct surprise inspections of petrol pumps to ensure smooth fuel availability.
He emphasised that LPG supplies to welfare initiatives such as 'Didi Ki Rasoi' and government hostels must not be disrupted.
Amrit reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders and directed officials to register FIRs and initiate strict legal action against violators.
The Labour Resources Department has been directed to issue a toll-free helpline number to provide information and assistance to workers returning from other states or from abroad. District authorities have also been asked to maintain a comprehensive database of incoming migrants, the statement said.
In-charge secretaries and divisional commissioners have been asked to undertake field visits within the next two days to review LPG stock positions, backlog clearance, functioning of control rooms, press briefings, and the status of migrant arrivals.
The chief secretary also directed that CMG meetings be held every Monday to continuously monitor the situation.
