Udhampur, Nov 14 (KNS): Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Tribal Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali inaugurated a Working Standard Laboratory at Supply Morh in Udhampur here today.
Constructed with a cost of Rs. 50 lakh by J&K Housing Board Department, the laboratory will ensure standardization in measurements to the trading community and people of Udhampur and adjoining areas.
Highlighting functions being performed by the Legal Metrology department, the Minister said that the department regulates as well as maintains uniformity and accuracy in all weight and measuring instruments used by the traders. He added that the government is working under a well-knit strategy to modernize and strengthen the department so that it could perform even better for larger interest of the consumers. The construction of working standard laboratories in various districts and Research labs in Jammu and Srinagar is one of the important steps in this direction, said the Minister.
The Minister directed DDC Udhampur for early completion of approach road to the newly constructed building and stressed for effective monitoring and strict enforcement of various laws and acts of the department aimed at safeguarding the interests and rights of consumers. He further stated that the present dispensation is working earnestly towards creating a conducive and comfortable atmosphere for its employees so that they deliver the best to the public.
“In order to provide prompt Consumer Resource and Grievance Redressal service, the State Government is facilitating an online registration process whereby the consumer can easily register their complaints without any hassle,” said Zulfkar and further motivated the consumers to come forward if they are not satisfied with the working of the department.
Later, the Minister reviewed the progress achieved in implementation of various tribal welfare schemes at district level.
Zulfkar said that socio economic development of under privileged sections of the society is the priority of the government and various schemes have been launched to cater to the needs of such people. He directed DDC to devise a comprehensive plan in convergence with other departments so that basic amenities can be provided at the earliest to the already identified tribal villages in the district. He also directed to handover the newly constructed hostel building for Gaddi & Sippy community students to the administration of Udhampur Degree College so that it would be made functional.
Referring to the need of separate Gujjar and Bakarwal hostel for boys, the Minister directed the DDC to identify the land for construction of the same. He also directed the XEN PWD to complete the construction of ST hostel building at Basantgarh so that it can be made operational at the earliest.
Necessary instructions were given to the officers of PWD, Education and Tribal affairs to ensure regular monitoring and judicious use of fund so that benefits could reach to the tribal community.
The Minister also interacted with the inmates of Gujjar & Bakerwal Hostel and enquired about the facilities being provided to them. He gave patient hearing to their grievances as well as demands and directed the concerned officers to ensure better dwelling of the wards during ensuing winter season.
Development Commissioner, Ravinder Kumar, Director FCS &CA, R A Inqalabi, Controller Legal Meteorology, R K Katoch, District, SSP, Rayees Bhat, Director Tribal Affairs, Mohd. Rafi, Secretary G&B Advisory Board, Mukhtyar Ahmed Choudhary, Dy Controller Enforcement, Manoj Kumar, AD FCS&CA, Haroon Naik, Assistant Controller LMD Udhampur, Anita Sharma, Chief Planning Officer, Ashok Khajuria, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Subash Dogra, Executive Engineer PWD, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer besides other district officers and large number of people attended the programme. (KNS)