Food Minister asks executing agencies to expedite LMD projects

Jammu/ April, 17: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Choudhary Zulfkar Ali Thursday urged concerned executing agencies to expedite the ongoing construction works of Legal Metrology Department (LMD) across the State.
Speaking during a review meeting, the Minister said being “consumer centric” LMD plays an important role in the smooth functioning of government. He said strengthening of the department therefore, becomes more imperative.
The concerned officials of executing agency Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board assured the Minister of completing all the construction works of LMD by end of August this year.
The LMD’s construction works include two Secondary Standard Laboratories, Research and Development Laboratory, Controller Office, and Working Standard Laboratories.
Stressing on need for infrastructural development, the Minister said despite the remarkable progress that the department made over the past months, both in terms of work and profile, there is still need to upgrade the existing infrastructural facilities to deliver even better.
The Minister said present dispensation wants to provide good working conditions to its employees so that they could deliver their duties to best of their capabilities and ongoing construction works for LMD is an example of that noble intention.
Assuring complete support from the Government’s side, the Minister informed that FCS&CA department has already released Rs 8.5 crores for the ongoing construction works adding “If the pace of construction works is accelerated, the department will immediately release the balance amount.”
The Minister also stressed on maintaining the quality and specification of the ongoing construction works. He said the government wants that the works are done as per the standards and there should be no compromise on the quality of work.
The department has made Deputy Controller LMD Manoj Prabhakar as the liaison officer for the ongoing LMD works. He is required to provide regular updates regarding the ongoing works to the Minister’s office.
Secretary FCS&CA, Shafiq Raina, Managing Director, J&K Housing Board Vipra Bahal, Special Secretary FCS&CA, Nissar Ahmad, Joint Controller, LMD Jammu B A Sambiyal, and other concerned officers attended the meeting.