During the visit, the CEO FSSAI took round of various sections, including Microbiological Section, Chemical Section and HEE Sections and interacted with the technical staff of the Laboratory.

Subsequently, the CEO FSSAI chaired a meeting which among others was attended by State Drug Controller J&K, Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir, Accounts Officer FDA and Food Analyst Food Testing Laboratory Srinagar and Jammu.

ECommissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, made a detailed presentation outlining the laboratory’s analytical capabilities, testing performance, NABL accreditation, infrastructure, manpower position and the roadmap for strengthening food testing facilities across the Union Territory. It was informed that the Food Laboratory, Kashmir is an FSSAI-notified and NABL-accredited facility equipped with advanced instruments, including GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS and ICP- The laboratory presently has a NABL scope covering 354 parameters, comprising 77 quality and 277 safety parameters.

The presentation highlighted the testing workload handled during the last three financial years. The laboratory analyzed 11,479 samples in 2023–24, 9,938 in 2024–25 and 6,722 in 2025–26, out of which, 440, 266 and 381 samples respectively, were found to be non-conforming.

The meeting was informed that the steps have been initiated to expand the scope of Laboratory to 3500 parameters by end of 31st March, 2027 covering key commodities including milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables, cereal and cereal products, oils and fats and Indian sweets and achieve wider coverage of 5,000 parameters in the long run.

The Commissioner brought to the notice of the CEO, FSSAI the key constraints affecting the laboratory’s functioning, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of technical manpower. He also sought his intervention in approval of the proposal for hiring of Technical Manpower, Chemicals, CRMs Consumables etc. He requested the CEO, FSSAI for providing financial and technical assistance for construction of new laboratory building at Srinagar and Jammu and upgrading the facility to improve quantity and volume of testing.

The Food Laboratory, Kashmir is presently housed in an old, shared Drug & Food Laboratory complex, with limited space for modern equipment and dedicated instrument sections.

As part of the long-term strategy, the Department proposed developing an integrated Food Testing Laboratory network across Jammu and Kashmir by leveraging the existing facilities in government institutions, including SKUAST and IUST, with suitable technical and manpower support. The initiative is intended to expand the overall testing capacity and facilitate timely analysis of samples received from different parts of the Union Territory.

The Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, expressed gratitude to Rajit Punhani, CEO, FSSAI, for visiting the Food Laboratory, Kashmir and for taking a keen interest in its functioning, analytical capabilities and capacity-building requirements.

The CEO, FSSAI expressed satisfaction on the working of laboratory and called upon the J&K FDA officials to continue their efforts for strengthening it further.

The visit and review are expected to provide further impetus to the department’s efforts towards modernization of food testing facilities, expansion of NABL-accredited analytical capacity and establishment of a robust, integrated and scientifically strengthened food laboratory network across Jammu and Kashmir.

During the visit, the DC supervised the entire process and interacted with the revenue staff present at the camp especially scheduled for Tamiloo village. He took a detailed overview of the data being submitted, verified and approved on the Agristack portal to ensure accuracy and transparency at every stage. Addressing the officials, the DC described Agristack as a landmark initiative and a milestone in the history of the Revenue Department. He said that generation of unique Farmers ID will create a comprehensive digital database of farmers, which will streamline delivery of all agriculture-related benefits and schemes in a hassle-free manner.

“The Farmers ID will serve as a single digital identity for every farmer. It will enable direct benefit transfer, crop insurance, soil health cards, and access to institutional credit without duplication and delays,” the DC said. “Our aim is to ensure that no eligible farmer is left out,” he added.

The DC directed the revenue officials and field staff to expedite the process and complete the exercise efficiently and within the stipulated timeline. He stressed on maintaining data quality, proper verification, and prompt updation on the portal to avoid pendency. He also urged the field functionaries to create wider awareness among farmers about the benefits of Agristack and to extend full support to farmers, especially elderly and marginal farmers, during the registratpn process.

Giving details, it was informed that Farmers ID generation camps are currently underway across all locations in the district. So far, registration and verification for 54 villages have been completed on the Agristack portal, and the remaining villages are being covered in a phased manner. Tehsildar, Kulgam, Nisar Ahmad Wani and other officials were also present on the occasion.

The DC felicitated both artisans during the award ceremony of Independence Day function at Sports Stadium Budgam and lauded them for bringing distinction to Budgam and Jammu & Kashmir at the national level, describing the honour as a proud moment for the district and a significant recognition of Kashmir’s rich handloom legacy. He appreciated their dedication and perseverance in reviving a nearly 400-year-old Kani design and transforming it into a masterpiece through traditional techniques. The award-winning shawl reportedly took over 15 months of painstaking work to complete. The Deputy Commissioner particularly commended Fayaz Ahmad Wani for keeping the traditional craft alive and passing the skill to successive generations.

Having trained more than 50 people in Kani weaving, his contribution has helped preserve the craft while creating avenues for sustainable livelihoods. He also appreciated Manzoor Ahmad Hajam, who has been associated with his teacher’s Kani weaving unit for the past 25 years, describing their achievement as a fine example of the traditional Guru-Shishya tradition through which Kashmir’s indigenous crafts have been preserved across generations. The DC stressed the importance of promoting traditional crafts among the youth, encouraging young artisans to take up Kani weaving and other indigenous crafts as avenues for livelihood, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation. He said national recognition to local artisans provides renewed impetus to efforts aimed at safeguarding Kashmir’s unique artistic traditions and ensuring that traditional knowledge and skills continue to flourish among future generations. The District Administration Budgam reiterated its commitment to supporting artisans, weavers and craftsmen and creating an enabling environment for the promotion of local handlooms and handicrafts.

The dedicated service, JPP-RCS, has been operating successfully since September 2025 and connects Badgam (BDGM) with Adarsh Nagar Delhi (ANDI) via Jammu, with an intermediate stoppage at Bari Brahmana. The availability of this cost-effective, time-efficient and all-weather rail transportation facility assumes considerable importance for the horticulture sector, particularly during the fruit harvesting and marketing season.

The service provides reliable and timely connectivity to major markets across the country, thereby facilitating smoother movement and marketing of Kashmir’s horticultural produce. It is pertinent to mention that Train No. 00462, Ex-Badgam to Adarsh Nagar Delhi, has so far successfully transported 332 VPs carrying approximately 7,400 tonnes of produce, including apples, e-commerce and mixed goods. On the return journey, 786 VPs carrying approximately 17,450 tonnes, mainly comprising e-commerce and mixed goods, have also been transported, reflecting the growing utility and operational efficiency of the rail parcel service.

The Directorate has accordingly called upon fruit growers, traders and other stakeholders to make optimum use of the dedicated rail facility for transportation of horticultural produce, particularly during the peak harvesting season. For commercial inquiries and booking details, stakeholders may contact the Office of the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Northern Railway, Jammu Tawi, at Mobile/CUG: 9596732950 or through email at srdcmjat@gmail.com.

He paid tributes to freedom fighters, martyrs, Armed Forces, J&K Police and security personnel and highlighted the government’s focus on balanced and inclusive development.

The Deputy Chief Minister said priority is being accorded to roads, bridges, power, water supply, healthcare, education, agriculture and industries. He stressed the need to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for local youth.

Expressing concern over drug abuse, he urged young people to stay away from drugs and criminal activities and participate in education, sports, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He also called for greater environmental protection amid increasing incidents of floods, landslides and other extreme weather events, and appealed to people to support afforestation initiatives.

Choudhary also reiterated the need for restoration of statehood and called upon people to work collectively for a peaceful, prosperous and developed Jammu and Kashmir.

Residents apprised the Minister of damage to roads, water supply and irrigation infrastructure and sought early restoration of essential services.

At Jhulas, residents also raised issues related to drinking water, restoration of water schemes and implementation of the Forest Rights Act.

Rana assured residents that the issues would be taken up with concerned departments for time-bound action. He said restoration of essential infrastructure and assistance to affected families remain among the government’s priorities.

The ceremony was attended by officers and officials of the office. School students, invited as special guests, rendered the National Anthem and added to the patriotic spirit of the occasion.

The Divisional Commissioner felicitated the participating students and appreciated their enthusiastic participation.

Additional Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and other senior officers and officials were also present.

At the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Joint Director Information Jammu Deepak Dubey hoisted the National Flag at Rail Head Complex, Jammu. The ceremony began with VandeMataram and concluded with the National Anthem. Officers and officials reaffirmed their commitment to unity, integrity and dedicated public service.

At the Jammu Wing of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Sindhu Sharma hoisted the National Flag and took the National Salute. A CISF contingent presented the Guard of Honour, while the District Police Band performed patriotic melodies. Judges, Registry officials, judicial officers, advocates and other staff attended the function.

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu, in collaboration with the District Judiciary, celebrated the day at the District Court Complex, Janipur. Principal District and Sessions Judge Ravinder Nath Watal hoisted the National Flag. Sweets and refreshments were distributed among police and band personnel. Similar celebrations were held at Bishnah, Akhnoor and RS Pura.

At District Court Doda, Additional District & Sessions Judge Archana Charak hoisted the National Flag. Judicial officers, lawyers and court staff recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and highlighted the values of justice, liberty and equality. Patriotic songs and a cultural performance by students added to the celebrations.

At District Court Udhampur, Principal District & Sessions Judge Kalpana Revo hoisted the Tricolour and took the salute of the Guard of Honour. Students of Common Public School participated in the programme, which highlighted constitutional values and the importance of justice and public service.

The DLSA Samba celebrated Independence Day under the theme “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047.” Chairman DLSA Ashwani Kumar Sharma hoisted the National Flag and called for greater commitment to justice, equality and public service.

At DLSA Reasi, the celebrations included flag hoisting, Guard of Honour, patriotic songs and addresses on constitutional values and access to justice. Students, judicial officers, members of the Bar and DLSA officials participated.

At District Court Kathua, Principal District & Sessions Judge Jatinder Singh Jamwal hoisted the National Flag. A cultural programme was organised by DLSA Kathua in collaboration with the Education Department, with participants later felicitated with prizes.

At District Court Rajouri, Principal District & Sessions Judge RajenderSapru hoisted the National Flag and highlighted the importance of justice, liberty and equality. Para-Legal Volunteers who provided assistance during the July flash floods were presented appreciation certificates.

The Directorate of Health Services Jammu, EPFO Jammu, Department of Agriculture Jammu and Directorate of Horticulture Jammu also held flag-hoisting ceremonies. Officers and staff paid tributes to freedom fighters and reaffirmed their commitment to public service and nation-building.

At Central Jail KotBhalwal, the celebrations began with VandeMataram and flag hoisting by Superintendent Chhabil Singh. Inmates and staff presented a cultural programme.

Several educational institutions, including GDC Ramkote, GDC Kastigarh, GDC Katra, GDC Paloura, Government Polytechnic College Reasi, SCERT J&K and GGHS Puldoda, also celebrated Independence Day through flag hoisting, patriotic programmes and addresses highlighting unity, discipline and responsible citizenship.

The main function was held at Chowgan Grounds, where Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma hoisted the Tricolour and took the salute of the March Past by contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, CISF, IRP, NCC, GDC Kishtwar and school students.

Addressing the gathering, the DC paid tribute to freedom fighters and highlighted the district’s developmental achievements. He said 2,447 of 2,565 works under last year’s District Capex Budget had been completed, while tendering for 1,933 of 1,975 new works had been completed this year.

He highlighted initiatives in agriculture, entrepreneurship, social security and the Aspirational Block Programme, and urged youth to stay away from drugs and contribute to nation-building.

The DC also called for preserving Kishtwar’s cultural heritage, protecting the environment and maintaining communal harmony and unity.

The celebrations concluded with felicitation of meritorious officers, students, parade contingents and cultural performers.

He inspected the shrine premises, langer sites, toilets, water and power supply, drainage and the Poonch-Mandi road.

The DC also reviewed arrangements at the College Ground base camp, including food stalls, lighting, water supply and other facilities.

He directed departments to complete all arrangements in advance and ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.