Kerosene dole may fuel solar lanterns
THE poor may now hope to use nonpolluting lanterns instead of carbon emitting kerosene lamps. The government is considering a proposal to use a portion of kerosene subsidy to fund distribution of solar lanterns in rural areas. The proposal, discussed in the Prime Minister's Energy Co-ordination Committee (ECC) meeting recently, is to formalise a scheme after extensive consultation with the state governments. The move assumes significance amidst growing concerns over rising cost of fossil fuel, particularly crude oil. India imports over 70% of its crude oil requirement.