Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, NOV 03:
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired his maiden review meeting of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, to undertake a comprehensive assessment of its functioning, review ongoing reforms and assess progress in key areas, particularly the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Legal Metrology.
The meeting focused on strengthening food security, ensuring universal coverage of eligible beneficiaries, improving the efficiency and transparency of public service delivery and reinforcing mechanisms for consumer protection and fair trade practices. At the outset, the Minister was briefed by the senior officers on the overall functioning of the department, major achievements, ongoing initiatives and the roadmap for further reforms. A detailed presentation highlighted the measures undertaken to modernise and streamline the Public Distribution System through technology-driven interventions, improved monitoring mechanisms and greater transparency in the distribution of essential commodities.
The Minister was apprised of the initiatives aimed at making the PDS more accessible, efficient and beneficiary-friendly, while ensuring that foodgrains and other essential commodities reach the intended households without delays or inconvenience. Emphasising the importance of an inclusive and responsive food distribution mechanism, Rana stressed that no eligible household should be left outside the ambit of the Public Distribution System. He directed the officers to identify deserving and uncovered beneficiaries and take all necessary measures to ensure that the benefits of food security schemes reach every eligible family, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and economically weaker sections of society.
The Minister also underscored the need for sustained coordination with the Government of India to further augment foodgrain allocations in accordance with the requirements of the Union Territory. He called for proactive engagement with the concerned authorities to address gaps, wherever identified, and ensure adequate availability of foodgrains for the people.
Observing that food security remains a fundamental responsibility of the Government, Rana said that the delivery mechanism must be continuously strengthened to make it more transparent, convenient and hassle-free. He called for effective implementation of welfare schemes, robust monitoring of distribution channels and timely redressal of beneficiaries’ grievances so that the intended benefits are delivered efficiently and equitably.
The Minister also undertook a detailed review of the Legal Metrology Department, which plays a critical role in safeguarding consumer interests, ensuring accuracy in commercial transactions and maintaining a level playing field for traders and consumers.
The officers briefed him on the department’s enforcement activities, achievements, institutional initiatives and measures undertaken to promote compliance with the Legal Metrology Act and its associated rules.
It was informed that all departmental services have been brought online through the J&K Single Window platform, thereby facilitating greater transparency, accessibility and efficiency in the delivery of regulatory services. The digitalisation initiative has also helped simplify procedures, reduce administrative delays and improve the ease of doing business for the trading community.
The department has simultaneously intensified its consumer outreach initiatives through awareness programmes aimed at educating citizens about their rights, applicable legal provisions and the remedies available under the Legal Metrology Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
Highlighting the department’s enforcement performance, the officers informed that during 2025-26, a total of 53,144 inspections were conducted, 2,952 cases registered and revenue amounting to ?538.62 lakh generated, representing 108 per cent achievement against the annual revenue target.
The Minister appreciated the department’s performance and stressed that enforcement must remain consistent, impartial and outcome-oriented, with particular attention to preventing consumer exploitation and ensuring compliance with prescribed standards.
The meeting was also apprised of the J&K Government Approved Test Centres Rules, 2026, which provide for third-party verification of weights and measures. The initiative is expected to further strengthen the verification framework, improve accessibility of services and supplement the department’s regulatory capacity.
It was further informed that the department ranks third on the J&K Single Window System in terms of online applications received and disposed of, with an average processing time of 11 days, reflecting its efforts towards efficient and time-bound service delivery.
As part of its sustained outreach and stakeholder engagement initiatives, the department organised 485 verification camps, 764 consumer awareness programmes and 807 workshops for traders during the year. The department also plans to conduct interactive sessions with various trader associations to encourage voluntary compliance, address operational issues and promote greater awareness of statutory requirements.
Appreciating the initiatives undertaken by the Legal Metrology Department, Rana emphasised that accuracy, accountability and transparency must remain the cornerstones of commercial transactions.
He called for strengthened inspection and enforcement mechanisms, particularly in areas directly affecting consumers, including accurate dispensing of fuel at petrol pumps, correct measurement of packaged commodities and compliance with prescribed standards of weights and measures.
The Minister directed the officers to ensure that commercial establishments adhere strictly to statutory requirements and that any instances of malpractice, short measurement or violation of consumer rights are dealt with firmly in accordance with law.
He observed that effective consumer protection requires not only stringent enforcement but also continuous public awareness, accessible grievance redressal mechanisms and close coordination with stakeholders. He stressed that consumers must be empowered with adequate information to make informed choices and protect themselves against unfair trade practices.
Rana also reviewed the functioning of the Secondary Standards Laboratory and other departmental laboratories. He was briefed on their operational capabilities, available infrastructure and the role of specialised testing and calibration equipment in ensuring precision and reliability in the verification of weights and measures.
Emphasising the importance of a strong scientific and technical foundation for effective regulation, the Minister called for continuous technological upgradation, modernisation of laboratory infrastructure and optimal utilisation of available resources.
He observed that well-equipped laboratories are indispensable for maintaining accuracy, strengthening enforcement and ensuring public confidence in commercial measurements. He directed the officers to identify infrastructure gaps and take appropriate measures to enhance the technical capabilities of the laboratories.
Concluding the review, the Minister called upon the officers to maintain close and continuous monitoring of departmental activities, ensure timely achievement of prescribed targets and strengthen institutional accountability at every level.
He emphasised that the department must remain responsive to the needs of the people and work towards further simplifying procedures, improving service delivery and eliminating avoidable delays.
While underscoring the need to facilitate the trading community through improved ease of doing business, Rana made it clear that such facilitation must go hand in hand with strict regulatory compliance and the protection of consumer interests.
He stressed that the department’s priorities should remain firmly centred on ensuring food security, plugging gaps in welfare delivery, promoting transparent governance and creating a fair and accountable marketplace for all.
The Minister also directed the department to initiate preparatory exercises for assessing the demand for new ration cards following the completion of the Census 2027.
The meeting was attended by Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Rajesh Kumar Shavan; Joint Director, Minakshi Vaid; Deputy Directors Sham Lal Abrol and Jyoti; and Rehana Tabassam.
Officers from the Legal Metrology Department present at the meeting included Controller, Legal Metrology, Shiv Kumar Gupta; Accounts Officer, Shakti Bushan; Assistant Controllers Jaideep Singh, Kewal Krishan, Mohd Muzaffer Wani and Mohsin Khateeb.
