Jammu | Nov, 03:Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Monday chaired his maiden review meeting of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department at Civil Secretariat, Jammu.
The meeting reviewed the overall functioning of the department, ongoing reforms and key initiatives including Public Distribution System (PDS) and Legal Metrology, with focus on strengthening food security, improving public service delivery and safeguarding consumer interests.
The officers presented a comprehensive overview of the department’s functioning, highlighting the reforms undertaken to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS), enhance transparency and improve service delivery through technology-driven interventions. They apprised of the functioning, achievements and initiatives of the Legal Metrology wing, which plays a vital role in protecting consumer rights and promoting fair trade practices.
The Minister was apprised of various measures introduced to make the Public Distribution System more transparent, accessible and beneficiary-friendly. He was also informed about the initiatives being undertaken to strengthen consumer protection and promote fair trade practices through effective implementation of the Legal Metrology Act and its associated rules.
While reviewing the functioning of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Rana appreciated the efforts being made towards modernising and streamlining the Public Distribution System. He stressed the need for sustained coordination with the Government of India to further augment foodgrain allocations and address the requirements of the people, particularly vulnerable and economically weaker sections.
The Minister emphasised that every deserving beneficiary must be brought within the ambit of the Public Distribution System. He directed the department to take all necessary measures to ensure that no eligible household is left out of the welfare net. He said that the Government is committed to ensure food security for all sections of society and making the delivery mechanism more convenient, transparent and hassle-free for beneficiaries. He called for continued improvements in the system to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries in a timely and effective manner.
Reviewing the functioning of the Legal Metrology Department, the Minister was apprised of its activities and achievements in protecting consumer rights, promoting fair trade practices and ensuring compliance with prescribed standards of weights and measures.
The officers informed that all departmental services have been made available online through the J&K Single Window platform to promote transparency, accessibility and efficient service delivery. The department has also undertaken consumer awareness programmes to educate people about their rights, relevant legal provisions and remedies available under the Legal Metrology Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
During 2025-26, the department conducted 53,144 inspections, registered 2,952 cases and generated revenue of ₹538.62 lakh, achieving 108 per cent of its annual target.
The officers also highlighted the J&K Government Approved Test Centres Rules, 2026, which provide for third-party verification of weights and measures. The department ranks third on the J&K Single Window System in terms of online applications received and disposed of, with an average processing time of 11 days.
As part of its outreach initiatives, the department organised 485 verification camps, 764 consumer awareness programmes and 807 trader workshops during the year. It also plans to hold interactive sessions with trader associations to promote voluntary compliance and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
Appreciating the department’s efforts, Rana emphasised the importance of accuracy and transparency in commercial transactions, particularly in ensuring correct dispensing of fuel at petrol pumps and accurate measurement of packaged commodities. He called for strengthening enforcement mechanisms and ensuring strict adherence to prescribed standards across commercial establishments.
The Minister also reviewed the functioning of the Secondary Standards Laboratory and other departmental laboratories. He was briefed on their functioning and the role of specialised equipment in ensuring precision and reliability in the verification and calibration of weights and measures.
Stressing the need for continuous technological upgradation and modernisation of laboratory infrastructure, Rana said that well-equipped laboratories are essential for strengthening enforcement, maintaining accuracy and protecting consumer interests.
The Minister called upon the officers to maintain close monitoring of departmental activities, ensure timely achievement of targets and further strengthen public-oriented services. He also stressed the need to simplify procedures and facilitate the trading community through improved ease of doing business, while ensuring that consumer interests remain paramount.
The meeting was attended by Controller, Legal Metrology Shiv Kumar Gupta, Director General FCS & CA Jammu, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, Joint Director, MinakshiVaid, Deputy Director, Sham Lal Abrol, Deputy Director Jyoti, Rehana Tabassam, Assistant Controller, Legal Metrolog, Jaideep, Singh, Kewal Krishan, MohdMuzaffer Wani and Mohsin Khateeb.
