Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali inspected various food stores and godowns of CAPD and FCI in Srinagar city and expressed satisfaction over sufficient stock of rations available in the stores.Accompanied by Director CA&PD Kashmir, Peerzada Mushtaq Ahmad Shah and other senior officers of the Department, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali paid surprise visit to Food Stores, FCI godowns and CA&PD godowns in Srinagar city and expressed satisfaction over availability of sufficient food-grains in the stores.The Minister was informed that there are 51673 MTs of Rice and 5539 MTs of Wheat available in Kashmir which is sufficient for 2 months. He said that despite the law and order situations in the Valley, CAPDD ensured supply of foodgrains in every corner of Valley.
Director, CA&PD Kashmir informed the Minister that the Department has completed 89% distribution of foodgrains for the month of July in the Kashmir division and will achieve cent percent target by the end of the month. He said the Department has completed cent percent distribution in 8 districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Pulwama, Leh and Kargil.Instructing officers to start lifting of rations for the month of August, the Minister said that although they have sufficient stocks available in Valley, they should lift the August rations in advance. He instructed Director CA&PD to start process of lifting of food-grains under NFSA and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme for the next month well in advance and start distribution process also.Appreciating the CA&PD staff, the Minister said that despite turmoil, CA&PDD employees have played key role in distribution of rations and the government acknowledges their efficient services.
Stressing for maintaining accuracy in scale and rates, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that consumers have right to food and they must be provided rations as per the scale and rates fixed under both NFSA and MMSFES.Giving data of availability of other essential commodities in Valley, Minister said that they have distributed 2,27,723 LPG cylinders in all the districts of Valley and they are having 2.42 lakh cylinders available in LPG stores which is sufficient for 19 more days. Minister said that petroleum products are also available in all parts of Valley and they are having 2257 KL of Petrol, 10746 KLs of Diesel and 5070 Kls of K Oil available in Kashmir Valley.The Minister said 250 trucks of essential commodities have crossed Lower Munda Toll post during last 24 hours.