In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

SRINAGAR: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, has issued a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of all food products containing tobacco and nicotine as ingredients.

The order is issued by Commissioner FDA, J&K, who is also designated as Commissioner of Food Safety, J&K, in the interest of public health and in exercise of powers under Section 30(2)(a) & (b) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in accordance with Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, keeping in view directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, and advisories issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Government of India.

The prohibition covers Gutkha, Pan Masala containing tobacco/nicotine, and all chewable or flavoured food products containing tobacco and/or nicotine, whether sold as a single product or in separate packages intended to be mixed and consumed together. The  order will remain in force across the entire Union Territory for a period of one year starting June 2026.

The measure aims to safeguard public health, particularly protecting children, adolescents, youth and other vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine consumption.

The Commissioner has directed all Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers and enforcement teams across the Union Territory to intensify market surveillance, inspections and enforcement drives. Special focus has been laid on educational institutions, public places, transport hubs, wholesale markets and areas frequented by young consumers.

The Food & Drugs Administration has appealed to general public, educational institutions, civil society organizations, traders' associations and other stakeholders, to support the initiative and report any instances of manufacture, storage, transportation or sale of prohibited products to the concerned authorities through the Toll-Free Number 104, by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in , or through the FSSAI consumer grievance portal, https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/consumergrievance.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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