Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution and Tribal Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today reviewed the stock and supply position of essential items in Reasi besides, reviewing developmental activities undertaken for the welfare of tribals in the district.The Minister chaired meeting of officers of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department and the officers concerning Tribal Affairs at Reasi and stressed upon them to maintain accountability and transparency in the department which is hallmark of the coalition government in the state.He said that the government is working with the mission of honest, transparent and accountable administration and the mission can only be accomplished with efficient and effective management of the government officers.
Directing officers to ensure proper display of rate lists and display boards in the Fair Price Shops, the Minister said that he had already issued instructions in this regard and most of the dealers have installed these boards on the sale centres.
He said that this has been made mandatory so that to bring transparency in the department, adding that, the idea of installation of suggestion cum compliant box has been introduced for the consumers and their suggestions and grievances are being settled on fast track basis.
The Minister has also directed officers to wipe-out traditional Kanda System of weights on the sale centres and use Electronic Weighing Machines. He said that action can be initiated against the dealers and officers of the area who fail to use properly calibrated electronic weigh machines.On the complaint for dereliction of duties, Store keeper, Bagha Mohd Yakoob was suspended.The Minister was apprised by the department about the stock position in the District. It was briefed that there is sufficient stock available with to cater the need of the consumers of the area. Officers brought to the notice of the Minister that 3339 quintal of wheat, 1735 quintal of atta, 2725 quintal of rice and 185 quintal of sugar is available for the district at the end of the month. They also apprised the Minister that they have 4200 litres of Kerosene Oil available with them and 586 LPG cylinders available in the stock.
The Minister was also apprised that there are 148 sale centres and fair price shops operating in the district and there is no shortage of ration from any area of the district and all consumers are being provided ration as per the quota given to them.
The Minister also enquired about the activities taken up for the welfare of tribal community. He said that his government is serious to uplift the standard of the tribal community and the Chief Minister has established new ministry for tribal affairs.
He said that they have already taken up the issue of welfare of tribals with the centre and they are sure to get sufficient funding. He added that they were receiving complaints that ST scholarship is not being given to the students following which he took up the matter with Centre government and got 32 crore of Post and Pre-Matric Scholarship released. He said that this scholarship will reach into the bank accounts of the students soon.
The Minister was accompanied by Director CAPD Jammu GS Chib and Director Tribals Affairs Mohammad Shareef, ADDC Bhawani Singh Rakhwal and ADC Shiv Kumar Gupta.Meanwhile Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali participated as Chief Guest in the valedictory function of theatre festival and handed over momentos and awards to the participants of the competition. Director, Sangam Theatre Akram Khan honoured the Minister and appreciated his role for promoting transparency and accountability in the CAPD department.The Minister on the occasion lauded Sangam Theatre for organising the event. He said that such events boosts theatre and play significant role in overall development of culture. He said that youth must participate in such activities so as to preserve the rich culture of the area.