Srinagar, Aug 08: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, on Friday assured that strict action will be taken against those involved in supplying substandard rice and selling unhygienic meat in Jammu and Kashmir, saying all departments have been mobilized and quality control measures are underway.
Speaking to media persons after chairing a high-level meeting with officials, Minister Sharma said, “As far as the complaints regarding rice are concerned, the consignment was brought by FCI from Punjab or other locations, but it hasn’t been received by the department yet. First, the Quality Control Team will inspect it, and if rejected, strict action will be taken against whoever is found responsible.”
He added, “For now, wherever that stock had reached, we have stopped its further distribution. We assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Omar Abdullah-led government will ensure only the best quality rice reaches them.”
On reports of rotten or unsafe meat being sold in markets, the Minister expressed deep concern. “As far as meat is concerned, all related departments Food Supplies, Health, Legal Metrology are working together. I appreciate those who first exposed the issue. And let me be clear people who are playing with the lives of innocent citizens, I don’t consider them even human,” Sharma said.
He added that scientific sampling has already begun. “We are sending samples to different labs to check how long such frozen meat remains consumable — 7 days, 8 days, or more and what experts say will decide the action.”
The Minister said some cases may involve rivalry or misinformation, but every aspect will be looked into thoroughly. “From what I have observed, the government is already acting firmly and will continue to do so,” Sharma asserted.
He further said that multiple teams, including those from Legal Metrology, Health Department, and Poultry Control, are already active on the ground. “Today itself I visited four locations with my team. Meetings were held with Health Minister Sakina Ji and Minister Javed Dar Sahib. All concerned departments are on the run.”
Sharma urged people not to panic. “Only a few individuals are involved, and they will face strict legal action. I assure everyone that sampling is being done from five-star hotels down to street vendors.”
“The process has already begun. Our technical teams will guide us, and action will be taken accordingly,” he said. (KNC)
