Patna, July 13: Food and consumer protection minister Shyam Rajak has clarified that the ban on small cylinders was in place since long. Saturday’s order was only a bid to make checks more stringent.

“Small cylinders are being sold as there is no licensing authority. Despite checks and raids, the sale of the same goes on in many parts of the state. So, the department has decided to implement the ban more forcefully and alerted all district administrations in this regard,” he said.

District administrations have been asked to alert the police regarding the same. “Station house officers of all police stations should ensure that small cylinders are not sold in their areas. The administration has been asked to conduct raids and arrest those involved in the sale and refilling of small cylinders,” he said.