Minister for Consumers Affairs & Public Distribution, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali has directed the field functionaries of the Department to open all sale outlets and fair price shops to ensure distribution of rations.Chairing a meeting of CA&PDD to review the stock and supply position of essential commodities in Kashmir, the Minister said strict action will be taken against the storekeepers, fair-price shop dealers and concerned Tehsil Supply Officers failing to report on duty.Directing the concerned for lifting remaining stock of food-grains from Food Corporation of India (FCI) forthwith for distribution at the sale outlets, the Minister asked the Director, CA&PDD Kashmir to coordinate with FCI authorities and ensure that the Godowns and PEGs are functional with immediate effect.
Urging upon the people for extending cooperation to the CA&PD functionaries during distribution of food-grains, the Minister appealed the people that the vehicles carrying food-grains and other essential commodities should be allowed to move to reach their destinations. He asked the field staff to coordinate with the Mohalla and Masjid Committees and seek their assistance during distribution of rations.Directing Director, CA&PDD for keeping close liaison with the Divisional and District Administration with regard to ensuring availability of essential items and LPG Cylinders in the Valley, the Minister said the petrol pumps should also remain open for the convenience of people.
Giving brief account of stock and supply position of essential commodities in the Valley, Director CA&PD, Kashmir informed that about 7.80 lakh quintals of rice, 1.50 lakh quintals of wheat and 22,000 quintals of Sugar is available in the FCI/CA&PD godowns.It was informed that so far 2.15 lakh quintals of food grains have been dispatched to various districts across the valley. In all, 2.80 lakh LPG cylinders are in stocks in Kashmir division which are sufficient for 22 days. Out of the total stock of LPG, 2.37 lakh cylinders are available with HPCL, 0.14 lakh with BPCL and 0.29 lakh with IOCL, the meeting was informed.It was also given out that 2900 kls of petrol, 11,012 kls of diesel and 5060 kls of K.oil is available with the Oil Companies in Kashmir.It was informed that the department is keeping proper track of the vehicles carrying essential commodities from Jammu to Kashmir Valley and during the last two days, 485 trucks carrying essential items, Petrol and Poultry products have reached the valley.Reviewing the stock and supply position of essential commodities for Ladakh Region, the Minister directed the concerned for dumping sufficient stock of food grains and petroleum products in the region.