Srinagar, Jun 1: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Monday reviewed the availability and stock position of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir with a particular focus on petroleum products, LPG and other critical supplies required for public consumption and the upcoming peak tourism and pilgrimage season.
The review meeting besides ACS, APD; Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA and Commissioner Secretary, Information; Commissioner Secretary, Education Departments was attended by the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir along with senior officers of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, representatives from OMCs and other concerned officers.
Deputy Commissioners and SSPs attended the meeting through video conferencing.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for maintaining uninterrupted supplies of all essential commodities, including petroleum products, LPG and fertilizers, across Jammu and Kashmir. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that LPG meant for domestic consumers is not diverted for commercial use and called for strict monitoring to prevent any such irregularities.
He also stressed the importance of completing the e-KYC process for all eligible beneficiaries to enable them to continue receiving subsidies without interruption. The Chief Secretary further underscored the need for extensive awareness campaigns across all districts so that consumers are adequately informed about the benefits and requirements of e-KYC registration.
The Chief Secretary also called upon the district administrations to regularly assess the stock position of essential commodities in residential institutions, hospitals and other critical establishments. Additionally, he instructed the Deputy Commissioners to review the availability of essential supplies for migratory labourers residing at various project sites and workplaces across the Union Territory so that no section of society faces any inconvenience.
Highlighting the importance of supporting economic activity and public welfare, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to ensure timely payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma gave a detailed overview of the availability of fertilizers across both the divisions and informed the meeting that the department is ensuring their rational and equitable distribution.
He urged the district administrations to intensify awareness generation among farmers regarding the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, a flagship initiative aimed at reducing excessive dependence on nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea and encouraging the use of balanced NPK fertilizers containing nutrients in appropriate proportions.
He further highlighted that the campaign promotes sustainable agricultural practices through greater adoption of organic farming methods and the use of organic manure to improve soil health and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. He also sought the support of the district administrations in identifying and eliminating the sale and use of spurious and substandard insecticides from the market, noting that such products have adverse impact on agricultural productivity and crop health.
Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, briefed the meeting about the department’s monitoring mechanism covering 40 essential commodities across the Union Territory. He informed that the prices of these commodities remained largely stable across districts with only marginal variations observed from previous trends. He also apprised the meeting of the inspections carried out by the department and the enforcement actions initiated against violators found indulging in profiteering, overcharging and other market irregularities.
In Jammu Division, the Divisional Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar apprised that the available stocks and supplies in transit are sufficient to cater to the requirements of consumers. He revealed that the Division presently has stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, kerosene and ATF, with additional consignments already in transit, ensuring uninterrupted availability of these commodities.
The meeting was further informed that commercial LPG supplies in Jammu Division continue to remain stable. Against the total demand generated from hospitality establishments and industrial units, a substantial quantity of cylinders has already been supplied, while the remaining demand is being met through a continuous replenishment process. The Department has maintained close coordination with oil marketing companies to ensure timely deliveries and prevent any supply disruptions.
Giving the details about in Kashmir Division, the Divisional Commissioner, Anshul Garg, apprised that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across the Valley. The stock position, supplemented by supplies in transit, is sufficient to meet consumer demand comfortably. He informed the meeting that the supply chain remains stable and there has been no indication of any shortage or disruption in any district.
The Chief Secretary was also briefed about the availability of commercial LPG at major tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar. It was informed that regular interactions are being held with stakeholders from the hospitality sector and no shortage of LPG has been reported at any tourist destination.
Moreover it was highlighted that the Department has made advance arrangements to cater to the increased demand arising from tourist inflow and the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining seamless supplies of essential commodities, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments, Divisional/District administrations and law enforcement agencies to continue close monitoring of stock positions and strengthen coordination with oil marketing companies and distributors. He stressed the need for proactive planning to ensure that consumers, tourists and pilgrims do not face any inconvenience during the peak season.
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