SRINAGAR: In the backdrop of the recent seizure and destruction of 1,600 kg of frozen buffalo meat at Budgam Railway Station, Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), today, conducted special inspection drive of meat storage and processing units and other related FBOs located across various districts of the Union territory to verify compliances with prescribed food safety norms and regulatory requirements.

During the drive, 85 inspections of meat storage and processing units and other such FBOs located in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir were conducted. On the basis of violations and deficiencies observed during inspections, 16 Improvement Notices were issued to the concerned Food Business Operators (FBOs) under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, directing them to rectify the identified deficiencies relating to hygiene and sanitation within the prescribed time.

Furthermore, 11 cases were recommended for initiation of proceedings under Section 56 of the Act for violations involving unhygienic and unsanitary practices in food processing and handling. Section 56 provides for a penalty extending up to â‚č1 lakh for carrying out food processing or manufacturing under unhygienic or insanitary conditions. In addition, 4 cases were compounded under the relevant provisions of the Act, with a total fine of â‚č4,000 imposed.

FDA directed all Food Business Operators engaged in the frozen meat and meat products to maintain proper sanitary and hygienic conditions, ensure prescribed temperature-controlled storage and transportation, preserve the cold chain throughout the supply chain and comply with labeling requirements prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed there under.

Consumers are also urged to remain vigilant and report any instance of the sale or distribution of unsafe or adulterated food through the official email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.

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