Regular market inspections, rice sampling being conducted across J&K to check adulteration : Sakeena Itoo

5 Dariya News

Jammu 04-Feb-2026

Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo today informed the House that regular market inspections and sampling of rice is being conducted by the Health department across Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, to check sale of adulterated rice.

This was stated by the Minister while replying to a question raised by Legislator Shamim Firdous regarding ‘Adultered Rice’ in the House. The Minister said that during the financial year 2025-26, 121 rice samples had been lifted and sent to NABL accredited food testing laboratories for analysis. 

Of which, 110 test reports have been received, so far. She informed that seven samples were reported as ‘Not of Standard Quality (NSQ)’ and cases have been filed in the competent courts in terms of provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The Minister said that the department is conducting regular market inspections and sampling of rice under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 in the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar. 

She also informed the House that out of 7 NSQ samples, 3 have been found with Folic Acid content less than prescribed standards under FSSA, while 4 have been found with Chalky kernels exceeding the prescribed limits under FSSA.

Govt prioritizes resource utilisation, enrolment boost aiming for academic excellence : Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo today said that the government is presently prioritizing enhancement of overall enrolment, strengthening of academic offerings and improving utilization of existing institutional resources for the benefit of students in Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister said this while replying to a question of Legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat regarding H.K Government Degree College (GDC) Bandipora in the House. The Education Minister informed the House that at present Science-cum-Administrative Block equipped with laboratories, 12 Room Lecture Hall Block and three Pre-fabricated Huts are being utilised for academic activities at H K GDC Bandipora. 

She added that various projects like Girls Hostel, Medication and Yoga Centre, Skill Centre and three Pre-fabricated Huts are under execution, while tendering process for playground is also underway. The Minister also informed the house that the government is prioritizing enhancement of overall enrolment in colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. 

As such, establishment of a separate Degree College for Women in district Bandipora may not be viable at this stage, as the same shall further fragment the enrolment in the existing college, she added.