SEP 14:In a significant step towards strengthening public welfare measures, Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, held a crucial meeting with Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Nimuben Bambhaniya. The discussion focused on ensuring food security, upgrading infrastructure, and safeguarding consumer rights across the Union Territory.
During the interaction, Sharma highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the network of Fair Price Shops (FPSs), especially in remote and vulnerable areas of J&K. He stressed that citizens living in hilly and far-flung regions must have uninterrupted access to ration supplies under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The minister also emphasized the importance of establishing modern warehousing facilities to improve storage capacity and reduce wastage. He pointed out that advanced storage infrastructure will ensure better management of essential commodities, enabling timely distribution to households.
Another key issue raised was the setting up of modern food testing laboratories across the Union Territory. Sharma said that ensuring food quality and safety is critical to public health, and having well-equipped labs at the regional level would empower authorities to conduct faster, more accurate testing.
On consumer protection, Sharma called for strengthening consumer courts and grievance redressal mechanisms so that citizens have quick and effective solutions to issues of fraud, unfair trade practices, or adulteration. He added that strong consumer rights frameworks are vital to building trust between citizens and markets.
Union MoS Nimuben Bambhaniya assured full cooperation from the Centre and appreciated J&K’s proactive approach in identifying people-centric reforms. She reiterated that the Government of India remains committed to empowering states and Union Territories with robust policies that ensure food security, transparency, and justice for consumers.
The meeting marked an important step towards coordinated efforts between the Centre and J&K administration to safeguard citizens’ welfare, particularly those in marginalized communities.
