BUDGAM: In view of the recent contaminated food scandal in J&K, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam, in collaboration with the Department of Food Safety & Drug Administration, Kashmir, organized and conducted an awareness campaign/ joint inspection to check food establishments, including restaurants, street food vendors, grocery stores, and other outlets in Budgam town.

The objective of the initiative was to raise awareness about food safety regulations and to educate food business operators on the importance of adhering to these standards, thereby prioritizing public health and protecting the larger interests of the community

It also aimed to enhance food safety standards and ensure compliance among food service providers operating in public facilities. The campaign also sought to educate the public on reporting unsafe food practices to the relevant authorities and on identifying potential hazards in food.

The initiative was held under the guidance of O.P. Bhagat, Chairman DLSA/Principal District & Sessions Judge Budgam. The inspection was carried out in the presence of Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/Secretary DLSA Budgam, and Yameen Ul Nabi, Assistant Commissioner, Drug & Food Control Organization, along with Food Safety officers, officials, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, and Para Legal Volunteers from the DLSA, as well as officers from the Food Safety & Drug Administration and district police Budgam.

During the inspection, improvement notices etc. were issued to food chain operators, and other food service providers. These notices addressed various compliance issues and emphasized the need to meet the safety standards laid out in the Food Safety Act.

On spot food testing van conducted preliminary food, and about 10 kgs of rotten fish and about 25kgs of contaminated sweets were destroyed with the help of Municipal Committee Budgam. Several food samples were also collected for food testing purpose. This proactive measure underscores the commitment of the DLSA and its collaborators to safeguard public health. 

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