Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 29: To review the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) in the State, Parvez Dewan convened a review meeting of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CAPD).
The Secretary CAPD, Sourabh Bhagat was also present in the meeting.
The Advisor directed the Secretary to initiate measures for the provision of supply of Atta in urban areas of the State specified in the Urban Development Act for the month of April, 2016.
The Advisor was informed that the off-take of foodgrains in all 12 districts of Valley was recorded upto 95% for the month of February this year while as in Jammu division it was almost 50% during the same period.
Reviewing the reasons behind low off-take in Jammu division, the Advisor was informed that the reason was attributed to the supply of wheat instead of Atta especially in urban areas of the division.
Advisor was also informed that in current month four districts of Kashmir division viz, Srinagar, Baramulla, Leh and Kargil migrated to NFSA with a result off-take in these four districts started picking up somewhat late while as in other eight districts, the position is very satisfactory such as Ganderbal 85.10%, Bandipora 86.47%, Kulgam 70.44%, Shopian 79.58%, Kupwara 60.57%, Pulwama 59.01 %, Anantnag 47.07% and Budgam 42.19%. In Jammu division some rationees have expressed preference for Atta over wheat. However, the off-take has shown an upward trend and has as on date reached 57%.
Reviewing the complaints from general public regarding incorrect names/number of rationees and wrong categorization, the Advisor was informed that one month long drive has been initiated and all the filed functionaries have been asked to address the genuine grievances. It was also informed that a government order has been issued wherein verification of such complaints will be personally monitored by the field officers of CA&PD Department.
Meanwhile, Parvez Dewan convened a meeting with senior officers of Drugs and Food Control Organization (DFCO) and discussed the measures to ensure prevention of food adulteration.
The meeting took serious note of food adulteration and warned food manufacturers and vendors against using colouring agents dangerously harmful for humans.
The Advisor asked Drug Controller, J&K to ensure strict enforcement of Food Product Standard and Food Additives (FSSA) law across the State and ensure that no colouring agent is applied in preparation of any kind of food items.
The Advisor said there is a need to curb the use of synthetic colouring materials in the famed Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine. For this purpose, he said Wazwan would be brought under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. He said the aim is also to maintain the originality of Kashmiri Wazwan and protect it from any adulteration.
It was also decided in the meeting that any person indulging in use of colouring matter in food articles shall invite action under law and the punishment can be extended to the ‘life imprisonment’ viz-a-viz fine which can be extended to Rs 10 lakh depending upon the severity of offence.
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