Chief Secretary Directs Round-the-Clock Monitoring of Essential Commodities Across J&K

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 1: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Sunday reviewed the availability and stock position of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir, directing departments and district administrations to maintain close monitoring to ensure uninterrupted supplies during the peak tourism season and the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

The review meeting focused on the availability of petroleum products, LPG, fertilizers and other essential commodities required for public consumption. Senior officers from various departments, oil marketing companies (OMCs), divisional administrations, district administrations and police attended the meeting.

During the review, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products, LPG and fertilizers across all districts. He directed authorities to prevent diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use and called for strict monitoring to curb such practices.

Dulloo also emphasized the completion of the e-KYC process for eligible beneficiaries to ensure the uninterrupted flow of subsidies. He asked district administrations to launch extensive awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits and requirements of e-KYC registration.

The Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners to regularly assess the stock position of essential commodities in hospitals, residential institutions and other critical establishments. He also instructed district administrations to review the availability of supplies for migratory labourers working at project sites and workplaces across the Union Territory.

Highlighting the need to support economic activity, Dulloo called for timely payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma informed the meeting that fertilizer stocks were adequate in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions and that efforts were underway to ensure their equitable distribution. He urged district administrations to intensify awareness about the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, aimed at reducing excessive dependence on urea and promoting balanced use of NPK fertilizers.

Verma said the campaign encourages sustainable farming practices, including the use of organic manure and organic farming methods to improve soil health. He also sought support from district administrations in identifying and eliminating the sale of spurious and substandard insecticides, warning that such products adversely affect crop health and agricultural productivity.

Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, informed the meeting that prices of 40 essential commodities monitored by the department remained largely stable across districts, with only marginal variations. He also briefed participants on inspections conducted by the department and enforcement action taken against cases of overcharging, profiteering and other market irregularities.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, said stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, kerosene and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), along with supplies in transit, were sufficient to meet consumer demand in the division. He added that commercial LPG supplies remained stable and that close coordination with oil marketing companies was helping ensure timely deliveries.

In Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg reported adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG across the Valley. He said supplies in transit, coupled with existing inventories, were sufficient to meet current demand and that there was no indication of any shortage or disruption in any district.

The meeting was also informed that adequate commercial LPG stocks were available at major tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar. Officials said regular interactions were being held with stakeholders from the hospitality sector and no shortage had been reported. Advance arrangements have also been made to meet the anticipated increase in demand during the tourist season and the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

Concluding the review, the Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to continue close monitoring of stock positions and strengthen coordination with oil marketing companies and distributors to ensure seamless availability of essential commodities for residents, tourists and pilgrims.