SRINAGAR: The Committee on Petitions of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today convened its meeting in the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Srinagar, under the Chairmanship of Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, to deliberate upon adulteration of essential food commodities within Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by legislators Mir Mohammad Fayaz,  Javaid Riyaz (Bedar), Dr. Sajjad Shafi.

Chairman Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah said that adulteration of essential food commodities is a grave public health concern linked to daily lives of citizens. He directed the department to maintain zero tolerance, scale up inspections, ensure timely testing, fill up vacant posts, strengthen laboratories, expedite disposal of cases through Adjudicating Authorities and intensify IEC activities under Mission Safe Food. He called for establishment of a state of the art laboratory both in Jammu and Kashmir regions for effective enforcement and timely testing of food samples

The Commissioner, Food and Drugs Authority J&K, Khalid Jahangir presented a comprehensive Status Report comprising overview of organization, staff strength, updated ATR on recommendations of the Committee, ATR on directions issued on 03.08.2026, IEC activities and key highlights of enforcement as per FSSAI mandate.

On enforcement, it was informed that 11,720 inspections have been conducted with 6,259 enforcement and 2,508 surveillance samples lifted and 5,179 samples tested through MFTVs during 2026-27 till October. Besides, special enforcement drives from April to October 2026 were conducted on fresh vegetables, packaged drinking water, nutraceuticals, edible oils and fats, ghee, honey, milk and milk products, spices, caffeinated drinks, meat products, bakery products and prepared food.

Regarding Petition number 2 about alleged encroachment of land at Khimber, Tehsil Hazratbal, Srinagar, the Committee directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar to verify the revenue records, examine the ground situation and furnish a comprehensive report on the alleged encroachments . It stressed the need to protect government and private land and take appropriate action as per law after due verification.

The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioner Food Safety, ADC Srinagar, SDM Chadoora, Food Safety Officers, State Nodal Officer FDA and officers of the Assembly Secretariat.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here
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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