Exclusive Interview: Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration J&K, Shakeel-ul-Rehman Rather (IAS) reveals efforts to regulate online pharmacy sales and enhance food and drug safety in J&K

JAMMU: In an exclusive online interview carried out by Ajmer Alam Wani Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), with an esteemed member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Shakeel-ul-Rehman Rather, Commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration in Jammu and Kashmir UT (J&K), crucial insights were disclosed regarding the government's plans to regulate online sales by pharmacies. The Ministry of Health, Government of India (GOI), is currently in the process of finalizing the Draft Rules for online pharmacy sales.

Commissioner Rather further informed that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already implemented regulations for the Licensing and Registration of E-Commerce Food Business Operators under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2021. This step highlights the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food products sold through online platforms.

While the Department of Food and Drug Administration has successfully curbed the menace of food adulteration and malpractices in the market, as well as the sale of habit-forming drugs, Commissioner Rather acknowledges that the supply of such drugs through unregulated channels cannot be completely ruled out. To address this concern, the department has taken significant steps in terms of infrastructure, manpower, and mobility. The Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FSSAI under a work plan, which includes activities such as inspections, sampling, testing, training, awareness programs, Melas (fairs), and Wakathons. These activities are meticulously planned and executed throughout the year, and special drives are conducted during festive seasons to prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers.

Commissioner Rather emphasized that the department has delegated powers of compounding offenses to designated officers under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These officers can impose on-the-spot fines on violators during inspections or special drives, with the fine amount immediately deposited into the government account through an online mode. To prevent incidents or allegations of corruption, all Food Safety Officers have been equipped with tablets to enable real-time deposition of fines by the violators.

During the interview, Commissioner Rather revealed the department's long-term goals, which revolve around establishing credible and transparent indigenous food and drug testing infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. These goals are aimed at promoting and establishing state-of-the-art food testing laboratories in every district, ensuring that the regulation of drugs and food in J&K is on par with advanced states across the country. The department receives active support from both the Government of J&K and the Government of India to achieve these objectives and rectify any public misconceptions.

Commissioner Rather expressed his commitment to prioritizing citizens' concerns and grievances, emphasizing that complaints and grievances are investigated on a top priority basis. Appropriate actions are taken against offenders, considering the gravity of the breach or omission under relevant regulations.

Addressing the consumers directly, Commissioner Rather advised them to be aware and informed. He stated that an informed and vigilant consumer is an asset to society. Furthermore, he requested consumers to cooperate in dealing with food safety and drug-related issues, constantly providing constructive feedback to facilitate improvement.

Commissioner Rather also drew attention to the crucial role parents, civil society, NGOs, and local religious preachers play in ensuring a drug-free society. He highlighted the urgency of preventing future generations from falling prey to the menace of drug abuse and addiction, as well as food borne and lifestyle diseases. He called upon citizens to come forward and share their valuable experiences and insights with local drug and food regulators.

With Commissioner Shakeel-ul-Rehman Rather at the helm, the Food and Drug Administration in Jammu and Kashmir is dedicated to enhancing the regulation and safety of food and drugs in the UT. Through departments proactive initiatives and partnerships, the department aim to build public trust and ensure the well-being of citizens in alignment with the standards set by advanced states in the country.

For the detailed interview read questions and insightful answers below:-

1. Can you provide an overview of your role and responsibilities as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in Jammu and Kashmir?

Ans: Drugs & Food Control Organization is under the administrative control of the Health and Medical Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Prior to the year 1987, this Organization was a part of the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu & Kashmir. The organization is headed by the Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K.

The basic mandate assigned to the Organization is to ensure availability of quality drugs & wholesome food articles to the consumers. The department has two Wings:

• Drug Control Wing
• Food Safety Wing.

The Drug & Food regulation is assigned to below two statutory authorities;

1. Commissioner of Food Safety – (Food Regulation) - Powers assigned to Commissioner FDA (Empowered Authority)
2. Controlling-cum-Licensing Authority (Drug Regulation) – Powers assigned to State Drugs Controller (Empowered Authority)

The respective wings of the department have a mandate to implement/enforce below regulations/orders:

• The Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, Rules & Regulations made thereunder
• Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement & Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 & Rules made there under.
• The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 & various Rules there under.
• The Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013 (Under the essential commodities Act).
• The Drugs & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
• The Pharmacy Act, 1948.

Functions / Responsibilities of Food Safety Wing:

• Licensing/Registration of all Food Business Operators involved in Supply Food Chain viz. Manufacturer/Wholesaler/Distributors/Retailer/Petty Food Business Manufacturer .
• Monitoring of quality of Food articles manufactured & marketed in the UT
• Investigation of complaints.
• Launching of prosecutions in cases of contravention of legal provisions of FSSA.
• Administrative actions.
• Product recall in cases of ‘unsafe’ food articles.
• Pre & Post Licensing Inspections of Food Establishments to ensure compliance as per provisions laid down under the FSS Act, 2006 & regulations made there under.
• Organize training programme on a wider scale for different segments of food chain for generating awareness on food safety.

Functions/Responsibilities of Drug Control Wing :

ü  Licensing/Registration of Drug Establishments & Manufacturing Units.

ü  Licensing of Drug Testing Laboratories.

ü  Approval of Drug Products for Manufacturing Units.

ü  Monitoring of quality of drug manufactured by respective state units & marketed in the UT.

ü  Investigation of complaints.

ü  Launching of prosecutions in cases of contravention of legal provisions

ü  Administrative actions

ü  Product recall in cases of ‘Not of Standard Quality’, ‘Adulterated’, ‘Spurious’, & ‘Misbranded’ Drug.

ü  Pre & Post Licensing Inspections of Drug Establishments.

2. How would you describe the current state of food and drug safety regulations in Jammu and Kashmir? Are there any specific challenges or areas that require improvement?

Ans: The Department has witnessed phenomenal transition during the last decade in terms of infrastructure viz-a-viz Technical Human Resource, Machinery & Equipments as also civil infrastructure.

As on today, 80 Drug Control Officers & 101 Food Safety Officers are working at the cutting edge level. The hierarchy includes superior officers (middle rung) who are located at District & Divisional Level for effective monitoring of the activities of enforcement staff.

The Organization has got Two Drug Testing Laboratories & Two Food Testing Laboratories, one each at Divisional Level. The laboratories have been strengthened recently in terms of High End Machinery & Equipments. The technical personnel entrusted with the analytical work are well qualified & imparted regular trainings so that they perform their assigned duties to the entire satisfaction of stake holders.

The recent augmentation has helped to overcome the constraints of the testing capacity in the Laboratories. I feel pleasure to share that all the Laboratories (Drug/Food) of our Organization have achieved NABL Certification from the competent authority.

Besides, the Food Wing of the Department has 12 Mobile Food Testing Vans, out of which 06 have been put into action for enhancing the frequency of supervisory checks in the market particularly on the occasion of festivals to carry out the onspot testing of food articles as well as generating awareness among general public and providing Training to the students as well as Food business operators on Food Safety and Hygiene practices. The remaining 06, procured recently shall be rolled out shortly for its once the technical committee clears these after assessing equipment and accessories installed in them. These MFTVs shall be utilized in the districts (one for Two Districts) of the UT of J&K.

The department has still a challenge for generating public awareness especially for children towards sedentary lifestyle and junk-food, which is the major concern and can be addressed, only by means of public awareness.

3. In recent years, there have been increasing concerns about counterfeit and substandard drugs in various parts of the world. What measures are being taken to combat the sale and distribution of counterfeit or substandard drugs in J&K?

Ans: The menace of manufacturing/sale of counterfeit/substandard drugs is no doubt a big challenge to regulators at global level. Further, misuse of habit forming/intoxicating drugs is an additional challenge.

The Department has a robust mechanism in place to check manufacturing/sale of counterfeit drugs. Random sampling of Drugs is being carried out by the all the gross root functionaries from Retail Sale/Wholesale Outlets & Manufacturing Units. The samples are being referred to UT based Laboratories/Other State & Central Laboratories for furnishing of opinion w.r.t identification of drug molecules as per label claim & testing of other parameters as per available monographs / Patent & Proprietary claims for a given drug sample.

The Department has initiated several measures to counter the challenges & some highlights are depicted as below:

1 Intelligence cum Legal Cell has been created to facilitate busting of spurious drug rackets and their prompt prosecution. The duties assigned to the cell are as under :

Ø  Collection of information w.r.t to unethical trade practices.

Ø  Fast track action in the matter of reported cases of spurious, adulterated and NSQ Drugs.

Ø  Authentication and verification of the information transpired by the watchers or by the other agencies.

Ø  Execution of secret/confidential raids in a successful manner.

Ø  Retrieval and access of data in respect of inventory control of Habit Forming Drugs at C&F/Wholesale/Distributor level.

Ø  Collection of the survey samples on the basis of secret leads and getting them tested confidentially.

Ø  Surveillance over pricing, irrational combinations and banned formulations.

Ø  Liasioning with tertiary care institutions to keep vigil over Drug Interactions.

Ø  Carrying out IEC activities through print media.

Ø  Counseling of stake holders.

Ø  Monitoring of Cold Chain Distribution and Booking Offenders violating the same.

Ø  Preparing the dossier of the suspected traders and sharing the same with police authorities.

1. Government of J&K has notified Special Courts at each District Level to ensure speedy adjudication/trial of drug samples declared/found to be Spurious/Adulterated.
2. Special Inter & intra District Drives in addition to routine inspections are being carried out to have an effective monitoring in place to counter sale of spurious drug rackets.
3. In-depth investigation carried out in cases of spurious drugs detected in the UT of J&K & effective co-ordination carried out with respective State Drug Controllers where the reported drug is purported to be manufactured so as to ensure implication of all offenders.
4. Drug Alert are being generated & shared in official WAP groups to ensure seizure of such drugs.
5. Public notices are being circulated through press & electronic media so that such drugs don’t reach gullible consumers.

Further, it is appropriate to mention here that National Survey to assess the extent of problems of spurious and not of standard quality drugs was conducted by National Institute of Biological (NIB) across the country. The main countrywide Drug Survey was rolled out across the country in April, 2015 and 47,954 samples were drawn from retail outlets, Government Sources and Ports by 932 Sample Drawing Officers (SDOs) from States/UTs and 13 from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. All the 47,954 samples received at National Institute of Biological were physically examined by trained Drugs Inspectors of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Of these, 47,954 samples drawn under the Survey, 633 samples (1.32%) were found to be out of list of the selected 224 molecules. Further, 309 Drugs samples (0.64%) were found either damaged or lost in transit. These samples were retained at NIB and the balance 47,012 drugs samples were subjected to test & analysis as per the prescribed Pharmacopoeia and sent to 10 Central /State Government Drugs Testing Laboratories in accordance with the decision taken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.

The findings of the Survey with respect to J&K State are given as under:

1) Market Samples

2) Government Institutions

Survey findings with respect to samples belonging to manufacturing units located in J&K State and lifted across the country is given as below:

1) Market Samples

2) Government Institutions

The findings indicate that extent of sub standard drugs were more common in states like Mizoram, Nagaland Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura Pondicherry, Gujarat and Punjab. (4.2 % to 8.82 %).

States like Goa, West Bengal, Delhi, Jharkhand and Kerala were on the lower side with Not of Standard Quality Drugs ranging from 0-1.97 %.

4. How do you collaborate with other government agencies, stakeholders, and industry players to enforce food and drug regulations effectively? 

Ans:

Drugs Wing:-

1. Coordinated approach between Excise, Police, Narcotics Control Bureau & Drug & Food Control Organization is always being initiated to check & counter the import of spurious/habit forming drugs into the UT.
2. The State Drug Controllers of neighboring States are being continuously persuaded to exercise strict regulation w.r.t interstate smuggling of spurious/habit forming medicinal preparations.
3. Sale statements of habit forming drugs are being obtained from depots/C&F of various pharmaceutical manufactures/dealers operating in the UT. The supply chain of such drugs is being regularly monitored up to the end user level.

Food Wing :-

(a)    The department from time to time makes liaison with the other line departments like Education, Tourism, Food Civil Supplies, Social Welfare (ICDS) Police, Revenue etc. by sharing the inputs and the strategies to curb the menace of adulteration as well as to bring the FBOs under the ambit of the act. Also imparting training and awareness on Food Fortification and Healthy Lifestyle, etc. Recently, we have been able to seize counterfeit of P-Mark, Verka Ghee and Baby Food in coordination with the Police. The inputs received from a reliable source were shared with the police and certain raids based on the inputs provided to the Department were successfully conducted jointly by the Department and Police at multiple places and seizures were made. FIRs against the unscrupulous FBOs were also registered. The cases where there were interstate ramification, information was shared with the Food Safety Commissioner of the neighboring states like Haryana and Delhi.

(b)    We also impart refresher trainings every year in phased manner to the enforcement staff in collaboration with the IMPARD on issues, emerging trends and challenges to food safety.

(c)    Annual Meeting Calendar has been devised for organizing meetings with each FBO Associations like Manufacturers, Retailers, Hotel Industry etc. to guide and update them regarding the regulations and amendments in the law.

(d)    We have in-place State Level Advisory Committee headed by the Health Secretary and District Level Advisory Committees headed by the District Development Commissioners, having members from each line department, FBO Associations, Civil Society, Scholars etc. with clear terms of reference, where all issues pertaining to the food safety are discussed at least once in each quarter. 

5. The food industry is constantly evolving with new products and manufacturing techniques. How do you stay up-to-date with emerging food trends and technologies to ensure the regulations remain relevant and effective?

Ans: Commissioner of Food Safety, UT of J&K is one of the members of the Food Authority (FSSAI) constituted under section 5 of the FSS Act, 2006 on rotation basis. In the meetings of the Food Authority the evolving trends and challenges are highlighted and shared with the members. Besides, current trends and feedback are also discussed in the Central Advisory Committee (Apex Level National Committee of FSSAI) constituted under section 11 of the FSS Act,2006 that meets once in a quarter, to strengthen the food safety ecosystem in the country. 

6. What steps have you taken to enhance public awareness and consumer education about food and drug safety in Jammu and Kashmir?

Ans: Awareness programmes are being routinely conducted at District/Divisional & UT Level & stakeholders are being sensitized w.r.t emerging trends revolving around Manufacturing/Sale of Drugs/Food items & subsequent adoption/implementation of amended laws. Advisories/Public Notices are being published in leading daily locals of the UT on regular basis in an endeavor to make common masses aware & updated about their legal & consumer rights.

Moreover, the department has successfully adopted and implemented Eat Right India Movement which is an Infotainment Model of Mass Awareness, where focus is on preventive and promotive healthcare to transform the country’s food system for all citizens of the country through sustainable initiatives. These initiatives include Eat Right Schools, Eat Right Campus, Food Fortification, RUCO, Eat Right Campus, Eat Right Station, BHOG etc. Same are being promoted through Print, Electronic Media, Advertisement Hoardings, Pamphlets, Audio Video jingles etc.

Last year we conducted 20 Eat Right Melas and Walkathon to generate awareness about food safety and hygiene practices in collaboration with District Administration and representatives of PRIs and line departments Social Welfare/ICDS, School Education, Agriculture, Health etc. The Melas and Walkathon were organized in every district of the J&K.

Besides, a sustained campaign was run on local FM channels and reputed TV channels for adopting healthy food habits. This year also one Eat Right Millet Mela and Walkathon was organized at Katra and Jammu in the month of April to encourage and educate consumers about health benefits millets.

Apart from it, we also have set up Toll Free Number 104 to register grievance against any FBO indulging in unethical trade practices like serving unhygienic/stale food, operating without a valid license and selling expired food articles etc. Last year, we addressed more than 125 such complaints and the disposal time was between 2 hours to 12 hours only.

7. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges or obstacles in enforcing food and drug regulations effectively? How do you plan to address them?

Ans: Though the Department has curbed the menace food adulteration and malpractices in the market and sale of habit forming drugs to a satisfactory level, yet the supply of such drugs through unregulated channels cannot be ruled out. Moreover the Department has resolved the issue of infrastructure, manpower & mobility to large extent by signing an MOU under work plan with the FSSAI. As per the Work Plan, all activities like inspections, sampling, testing, training, awareness programmes and Melas and Wakathon are prepared in advance and executed throughout the year. Besides, special drives during festive seasons are conducted to ensure that unscrupulous do not take advantage of the gullible consumer/public.

Besides, we have also delegated powers of compounding of offences to the designated officers under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 who during the course of inspection or a special drive impose on spot fine on violators and the fine so imposed is directly deposited in the Government account through an online mode on the spot. All the Food Safety Officers have been provided Tablets to ensure on spot deposition of fine by the violators to prevent the incidents or allegations of corruption.

8. Can you provide examples of successful cases where your department detected and prevented the distribution of unsafe or adulterated food and drugs in Jammu and Kashmir?

Ans: As already said the Department has a robust mechanism in place in terms of Lifting of Drug/Food Samples & referring to Drug Analyst/Food Analyst for furnishing of opinion. The ‘Not of Standard Quality Drugs & Food’ are being dealt as per procedures provided in the relevant Drug/Food Acts. As per available records during the last 10 years, the Department has detected around 30 drug samples which fall within the definition of Spurious/Adulterated. Action as warranted under law stands is initiated in each & every case. Matters are pending adjudication before the competent courts of law in the Union Territory of J&K.

As already mentioned, the department has successful launched special drive in tracking some counterfeit products like Edible Oil, Ghee, Infant Food (Imported) and able to identify the hot-spots of adulteration by virtue of regular inspections and quality testing. Appropriate action as mandated under law has been taken in all such cases.

A glimpse of related activities carried out during FY 2022-23 is highlighted as :

9. How do you approach the issue of food and drug fraud, such as mislabeling, false claims, or deceptive marketing practices? What measures are in place to detect and take action against such violations?

Ans: The matters are being dealt as per procedure of law. The action is initiated in terms of Administrative measures or legal proceedings depending upon the merit of the offence. Further, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in terms of G.S.R 823(E) vide Notification dated 17^th November 2022 has notified 300 leading brands of Medicinal Preparations & manufacturers of such formulations are liable to print or affix bar code or Quick Response Code on its primary packaging label which shall contain certain information to facilitate authentication. The amendment is effective from 1st day of August, 2023. The manufacturers existing within the UT have been advised & instructed to adopt the practice in letter & spirit.

As already mentioned, the Designated Officers have been empowered under Section 69 of Food Safety Act, 2006 for compounding of offence for speedy and deterrent action against the erring FBOs. Food Safety Officers have also been empowered to launch the prosecution against the erring FBOs for any deceptive/false claims without sending the samples to the Food testing laboratory.

Besides, Legal cum Intelligence Cells have been established at Jammu/Kashmir for tracking and tracing the unethical practices under confidential reporting and follow-up action. We are working on whistle blowers scheme to track the unethical trade practices.

10. How do you handle complaints and reports related to food and drug safety violations in J&K? What mechanisms are in place to investigate and take appropriate action against offenders?

Ans: Complaints are being received through JKIGRAMS, emails & Helpline Numbers, Compliant Cell on official website. The complaints are forwarded to Divisional Level empowered authority for investigation & report. Action is initiated n the basis of findings of investigation.

However, reports of Not of Standard Quality/Spurious/Adulterated Drug/Food samples are being investigated as per procedures mandated under Drug & Food Laws. Legal Recourse/Administrative measures are being initiated based upon opinion of Government Analyst/Food Analyst in co-relation with investigation conducted & merit of the case/report of analyst.

We have Toll Free No. 104, where any citizen can file the genuine complaint regarding the food safety issue and same is addressed within 24 hours, besides an online portal food safety connect.

The helpline numbers of the Divisional/District/Block Level Officers have been notified (Citizen Charter) on the website www.dfcojk.org of our department and have also been circulated through print media for the redressal of any complaint with regard to Food Safety.

11. How does the Food and Drug Administration engage with the pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulations and promote responsible practices?

Ans: Department of Drug & Food Control Organization in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is securing due diligence to ensure that Drugs/Food Articles of acceptable quality are offered through regulatory channels to the end users. The current Drug & Food regulation revolves around self regulation by the respective manufacturing houses. Schedule M of the Drugs Rules, 1945 defines the approach of the manufacturer viz-a-viz; company premises, Quality Management System, GMP in production, cleaning of equipments, housekeeping, cross contamination and other related topics. The manufacturer has a constitutional obligation to test each batch or lot of the raw material used by him for the manufacturing of his products and also each batch of the final product. All the activities taking place within the manufacturing facilities have to be recorded strictly in line with provision laid down under schedule U to the Drugs Rules, 1945. 

12. Are there any ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline the processes and systems within the Food and Drug Administration? If so, what are the key areas of focus?

Ans: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare , Govt. of India is in the process of making de-novo act & trying to bring all allied Rules viz, Drugs Rules, 1945, Medical Device Rules, 2017, New Drugs & Clinical Trial Rules, 2019, Cosmetic Rules, 2020 under one umbrella. Various amendments are likely to be incorporated in the de-novo act so as to impart more teeth to Drug Regulation.

However, the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 stands repealed & replaced with Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 & Regulation, 2011. Following regulations have been notified in the recent years by Govt. of India under FSS Act:

1. Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016.
2. Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulation, 2017.
3. Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017.
4. Food Safety and Standards (Organic Food) Regulation, 2017.
5. Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulation, 2018.
6. Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Food) Regulation, 2018.
7. Food Safety and Standards (Recognition and Notification of Laboratories) Regulation, 2018.
8. Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulation, 2018.
9. Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulation, 2018.
10. Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus food) Regulation, 2019.
11. Food Safety and Standards (Safe food and balanced diets for children in school) Regulations, 2020.
12. Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
13. Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
14. Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022.
15. Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022

13. With the growing use of e-commerce platforms for purchasing food and drugs, what steps have you taken to regulate and monitor online sales to ensure consumer safety?

Ans: Ministry of Health, GOI is in the process of finalizing the Draft Rules for online sale by pharmacies. Besides, FSSAI already has put in place the regulations for Licensing and Registration of E-Commerce food business operator under Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2021.

14. Are there any ongoing or upcoming initiatives or policy changes in the food and drug regulatory landscape of Jammu and Kashmir that you would like to highlight?

Ans: The Drug & Food Regulations are Central Legislation. The amendments in the said Acts are the prerogative of Government of India and are being done from time to time for ease of implementation and service to the consumers. We are in the process of identifying the potential areas in the UT of J&K, for declaration of such areas as ‘Clean Street Food Hubs’ under ‘Street Food Modernization’ which is a Pilot Project of Govt. of India. This will be helpful in not only promising the livelihood to the un-organized sector, but also lessen the burden of food borne illness and change the public perception about Street Foods.

Apart from the above, we have successfully implemented various other initiatives that aim to change the entire food safety ecosystem, like ‘Eat Right Campus (51), ‘Eat Right School’ (15), ‘BHOG’ (07), ‘Hygiene Rating’ (588), ‘Eat Right Station’ (01) and ‘Repurpose Used Cooking Oil’ (RUCO) Scheme in the UT of J&K and have ensured lifting of Used Cooking Oil from the Food Markets through the authorized aggregators.

15. How do you ensure transparency and accountability within the Food and Drug Administration? What mechanisms are in place to address any complaints or grievances from the public?

Ans: The Department has completely shifted from manual mode to online mode for disposal of various regulatory clearances so as to ensure accountability, transparency & zero physical touch point while dispensing various regulatory clearances. The Department has adopted below modules for online application submission & downloading of final certificate / approval by the applicant thorough online portal without any physical touch point.

1. Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) designed & developed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), New Delhi in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Noida for Licensing /Post Licensing Approvals for Manufacturing of Drugs/Sales Establishments.
2. Medical Device Portal designed & developed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), New Delhi in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Noida for Manufacturing Licensing of Class A & B Medical Devices & Registration Certification for establishments involved in Exclusive Sale of Medical Devices.
3. Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), Indian Food Laboratory Network (InFoLNet) and Food Safety Compliance through Regular Inspection and Sampling (FoSCoRIS) developed by FSSAI, New Delhi forInspection, Sampling, Licensing, Analysis reporting of Food Manufacturing Units/Registration of Food Business Operators.
4. Online Portal of Registration of Pharmacists by J&K Pharmacy Council.
5. The Department has a transparent and robust complaint/ grievance redressal mechanism in place, viz. 104 Toll Free and dedicated email fnd@jk.gov.in .

16. As the Commissioner, what are your long-term goals and vision for the Food and Drug Administration in Jammu and Kashmir? How do you plan to achieve them?

Ans: Our long-term goals are to build credible and transparent indigenous food/drug testing infrastructure in the UT of J&K, through promotion and establishment of State of Art Food Testing Laboratories in every district.

These goals are set with the vision which I endeavor is to ensure that Drug & Food Regulation in J&K delivers at par with advanced States of the country. The Department is getting active support from Government of J&K & Government of India as well to achieve its objectives to correct the public perception.

17. Finally, what message or advice would you like to convey to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir regarding food safety and drug regulation?

Ans: Our citizens are our priority, we aim that complaints/grievances are investigated on top priority & action as warranted under regulations is initiated against the offenders after evaluating the gravity of breach/omission.

My advise to the consumers through your medium is to be aware, be informed. An aware and smart consumer is an asset to the society. However, I also request the consumers that, be cooperative in dealing with the food safety & Drugs issues and constantly provide us the constructive feedback for improvement. I would also like to invite the attention of parents, civil society, NGOs, local religious preachers for playing a pivotal role to ensure a drug free society. We cannot afford to see our future generation to fall prey to the menace of Drug Abuse/Addiction and food borne and lifestyle diseases.

The citizens should come forward and share their valuable experiences/inputs with the local Drug/Food regulators. The telephone numbers & email IDs of enforcement authorities are displayed on the official website of the Department i.e https://dfcojk.org. Any grievance/concern experienced while purchase of medicines / food articles needs to be brought to the notice of Drug / Food Control Authorities as soon as possible for which apart from above media, a Toll Free Number 104 is also available. Do make best use of this facility.