SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government will ensure additional allocation of food grains and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities during the forthcoming Eid and Muharram observances across the Union Territory, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma said on Wednesday.
He was chairing a high-level review meeting in Srinagar to assess preparedness for the smooth availability of essential supplies and public services during the festive period.
The meeting was attended by MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Commissioner Secretary FCS and CA Saurabh Bhagat, Vice Chairman LCMA, Managing Director RTC, RTO Kashmir, senior officers of the administration, representatives of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Legal Metrology Organisation, Food Safety Department, PDD, R and B, PHE, SMC, district administration and other concerned agencies.
During the meeting, the Minister directed all departments to ensure close coordination so that the public does not face any inconvenience during the festive period. He emphasised the need for uninterrupted supply chains and effective monitoring mechanisms across Jammu and Kashmir.
Satish Sharma instructed that sufficient stock of food grains under the Public Distribution System and FCI be maintained at all depots and distribution points. He also said that an additional quota of food grains would be provided in view of increased demand during Eid and Muharram to ensure adequate availability.
Reviewing LPG supply, the Minister directed Oil Marketing Companies to maintain adequate stocks of domestic and commercial cylinders and streamline distribution systems to meet seasonal demand. He also asked officials to explore reducing waiting time for LPG booking and refilling.
He further instructed enforcement agencies, including the Food Safety Department and Legal Metrology Organisation, to intensify market inspections to prevent overpricing, hoarding, black marketing and sale of substandard goods, with strict action against violators.
Directions were also issued to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority to carry out extensive cleanliness drives in their respective jurisdictions ahead of the religious occasions.
The Minister asked the Power Development Department and Public Health Engineering Department to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and drinking water during the festive period.
MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq stressed the need for coordinated field-level monitoring to ensure that government arrangements effectively reach people, particularly in areas witnessing large religious gatherings. He also called for improved sanitation, street lighting and prompt grievance redressal during Eid and Muharram.
