From hospitals to crematoriums: Kerala defines critical categories for commercial LPG

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala state government has issued an official order to include Anganwadis, nutrition centres, and gas-based crematoriums in the priority list for commercial LPG cylinder distribution.

The priority list was finalized during high-level meetings convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil, attended by representatives of major oil marketing companies (IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL). The inclusion of Anganwadis and crematoriums was specifically addressed following urgent demands from local bodies and the social welfare sector.

Distribution & Monitoring

To manage the current 20% allocation cap on commercial LPG, the government has devised a district-wise distribution strategy for the available stock:

Ernakulam: 19.39%

Thiruvananthapuram: 17.15%

Thrissur: 10.36%

Other districts will receive proportional allocations thereafter.

Supervision Structure:

District Level: Monitoring committees headed by District Collectors will oversee the distribution to essential services.

State Level: The Food and Public Distribution Department and the Civil Supplies Commissioner will track daily stocks via a digital dashboard.

Crisis Management: A State Crisis Management Committee has been established under the Chief Secretary. The Food Secretary serves as the convener, with a board including secretaries from Home, Industries, Energy, Transport, and Disaster Management, as well as the DGP.

Official Priority List

1. Government hospitals, medical colleges, and primary health centers.
2. Emergency and urgent care private hospitals.
3. Educational institutions, hostels (including SC/ST and residential schools).
4. Community kitchens run by the government and local bodies (e.g., Janakeeya/Subhiksha hotels).
5. Anganwadis and nutrition centers.
6. Relief camps and emergency shelters.
7. Government-approved shelters, old age homes, and orphanages.
8. Canteens of government institutions, IT parks, and industrial establishments.
9. Public crematoriums.