CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has expressed serious concerns regarding the alleged harassment and discriminatory practices faced by Scheduled Caste (SC) category petroleum dealers associated with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) in Punjab.
At a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club, PPDA representatives highlighted what they describe as ‘procedural bias’ and ‘institutional apathy’ leading to the victimization of SC entrepreneurs in the petroleum retail sector.
Sandeep Sehgal, President, PPDA, cited specific cases, including one of Satguru Filling Station, Abohar, an SC category dealership operational since 2009, Guru Mahindra Filling Station, Kotkpura, Pitambra HP, Zira and others, alleging exploitation, arbitrary actions, and unfair treatment by company officials.
He accused the company officials of displaying an uncooperative attitude towards the dealers, leading to severe financial losses that compel many to abandon their petrol pumps, sell them at throwaway prices or face termination. He further alleged that the officials are engaged in nexus, colluding to transfer these pumps to their favourites.
He pointed that Rajesh Kumar, Secretary General of PPDA and proprietor of Satguru Filling Station, has submitted multiple complaints, legal representations, and documentary evidence to company over the years for his pump’s maintenance but despite this the company ignored it and they continued to incur losses. PPDA claims company has failed to address these issues adequately, allowing procedural irregularities to persist. PPDA has also represented its concerns to the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes, requesting the summoning of data regarding the status of SC dealerships in Punjab from HPCL.
According to PPDA, a list of 13 SC dealerships has been provided to the State Commission, with allegations that these dealerships have either been sold, terminated or their dealers have resigned due to undue pressure. PPDA has urged the State Commission to thoroughly investigate the status of these dealerships.
Expressing disappointment over delays in addressing these grievances, PPDA emphasized that the issues raised are specific to HPCL’s operations in Punjab. Rajesh Kumar stated that the Abohar case reflects broader systemic challenges faced by SC-category dealers, hindering their socio-economic progress.
PPDA clarified that its concerns are directed solely at the operational practices of HPCL and not at the constitutional or statutory framework of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). The association urged the NCSC to expedite investigations into the complaints lodged by SC dealers to ensure timely justice.
In a related development, PPDA highlighted that Kerala’s SC/ST Pump Owners had given a call to stage a one-day hunger strike in recent times outside HPCL’s Mumbai office to protest the termination of SC/ST dealerships, indicating that such issues may extend beyond Punjab.
To address these concerns, PPDA has demanded a high-level judicial or administrative inquiry into the conduct of HPCL officials involved in these cases. An independent audit of all records, financial transactions, and official correspondence related to the affected SC dealerships. Strict disciplinary action against officials found guilty of document suppression, evidence tampering, or procedural deviations.Rajesh Kumar warned that, in the absence of prompt corrective measures, PPDA would launch a statewide protest campaign to highlight the challenges faced by SC petroleum dealers and seek national attention.
Rajesh Kumar urged the Punjab & Haryana High Court to take suo motu cognizance, highlighting that as a PSU, HPCL's actions reflect a systematic exclusion of SC category dealerships.