By Anurjay Dhal/PIB
BHUBANESWAR: The International Conference on LPG cooking gas, organized by Research & Development Initiative concluded today. The two day conference was co hosted by leading Public Sector oil companies – Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum & Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.
The conference deliberated on various issues ranging from the need for an LPG enabled household, problems arising due to absence of LPG connection, the usage of traditional bio mass cooking fuels and their impact on both health and environment to “Role of private sector in expanding the reach of LPG” and “Role of Women in LPG Global Network – Global Practices & International Models” and Govt initiatives like PAHAL, GiveItUp and Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana.
The conference which was inaugurated yesterday by Jharkhand Governor Hon’ble Smt. Droupadi Murmu, was attended by more than 300 delegates from more than 10 countries. More than two dozen speakers and delegates from various countries such as Brazil, Guatemala, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Cameroon and Sri Lanka participated in the two day-long conference.
In the concluding session of the conference, Dharmendra Pradhan, MoS (i/c), MoPNG, said policies of the Union Government to provide cooking gas connections to poor and downtrodden people of this country is a step towards empowering the marginal section of the society. As the conference witnessed guests from abroad especially from African countries, who appreciated the people-friendly initiatives of Govt. of India, he said, this conference should convey a message that India can show the way for improving lives of poor women across the globe.
Dr. J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health, who gave the valedictory remarks, said LPG, as the cleanest available cooking fuel has actually reduced respiratory health issues among rural Indian women. He said the initiative of the current Union Government to provide 5 crore LPG connections within short span of time will not only empower more women but also benefit the health care department. “My ministry will be the direct beneficiary of this step.” He said.
Earlier, in the valedictory session, Dr. Walter Hart, VP, IHS, USA emphasized India’s expanding role in Global LPG markets He told that India has set the Global standards for subsidized LPG distribution and has an intended role of helping to stabilize global LPG prices.
Ashok, CMD, IOCL summed up the conference presentations and Mita Pridarshini Sinha, CEO, Research and Development Initiative presented vote of thanks..
