Warns of strict action against hoarding, black marketing
SRINAGAR, MARCH 16: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, IT, Youth Services & Sports, Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, Monday said that the government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the supply of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir remains smooth and uninterrupted despite global disturbances.
Addressing the media, the Minister, as per an official statement, said that the impact of the prevailing international situation is being felt across the world as well as in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he assured the people that the administration is taking all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of the public and prevent any disruption in availability of essential commodities.
Issuing a stern warning to those attempting to exploit the situation, the Minister said strict action will be taken against anyone involved in black marketing, hoarding or creating artificial scarcity of essential commodities.
“Whether it is an LPG distributor, a petrol pump owner or any dealer of essential commodities, if anyone is found indulging in such illegal activities, they will be blacklisted and made an example of. The government will not tolerate any attempt to exploit the public during such circumstances,” maintained the Minister.
Satish Sharma informed that he is personally monitoring the situation on an hourly basis and recently participated in a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to review the preparedness of various departments.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the departments including Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology to maintain strict oversight to ensure smooth supply and prevent irregularities.
The Minister said that more than 20 teams led by the Legal Metrology Department have been deployed across the districts to monitor the situation round the clock and ensure that consumers do not face any inconvenience.
Highlighting the steps being taken to augment the supply, Sharma said that the government has written to the Union Minister seeking enhancement of LPG commercial quota supply to meet the growing demand from commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants.
“The tourism season has begun, Ramadan is underway and Navratri is approaching. After a challenging period of several months, Jammu and Kashmir is gradually returning to normalcy. We expect record tourism this season and it is our responsibility to ensure that all sectors, including the hospitality industry, receive adequate support,” he said.
Satish Sharma added that tourism bookings for the coming weeks are already encouraging and expressed confidence that the Union Territory will witness an all-time high influx of tourists this season. “While some forces try to destabilize peace, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to strengthen the economy through tourism and development,” he remarked.
The Minister also informed that hospitals and educational institutions will continue to receive 100 percent supply of LPG to ensure uninterrupted services.
Providing an update on the supply chain, Sharma said that vessels carrying LPG are already enroute and expected to reach the ports soon, which will further stabilize the supply situation. He also announced that the government has decided to provide 2.5 litre of kerosene oil per family under the AAY category as a relief measure. He explained that although Jammu and Kashmir had earlier been declared a kerosene-free region, the sudden surge in demand for alternative cooking options has necessitated it.
The Minister said that the J&K administration has requested the Government of India to enhance kerosene allocation and provide additional support to the Union Territory so that other categories are also covered during the current circumstances.
Satish Sharma also urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying, stating that unnecessary stockpiling only creates artificial shortages and benefits unscrupulous elements.
“We appeal to the public not to fall prey to rumors. Some mischievous elements try to spread panic during such situations for personal gain. The government is fully prepared and there is no need for the people to panic,” he said.
To counter misinformation, the Minister said that the department has coordinated with the Directorate of Information, district administrations and other stakeholders to launch awareness campaigns and ensure that accurate information reaches the public. He further informed that district-level task forces have been constituted and vehicles have been deployed to maintain real-time monitoring of supply and distribution.
The Minister reiterated that any complaint regarding irregularities will be addressed promptly and strict action will follow in case of violations.
“As the Chief Minister has said, this situation may continue for a few weeks. Therefore, we are working on a war footing to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir face no inconvenience on this account,” he added.
The Minister appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the administration and maintain patience, emphasizing that unity, compassion and responsible behaviour will help overcome the present challenges.
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“Whether it is an LPG distributor, a petrol pump owner or any dealer of essential commodities, if anyone is found indulging in such illegal activities, they will be blacklisted and made an example of.”
