Srinagar, Mar 16 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed officers to ensure there is no “artificial scarcity” or black marketing of essential commodities across the Union territory ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and Navratri festivals.
Abdullah chaired a meeting to review the stock of essential commodities and petroleum products in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the upcoming festivals of Eid and Navratri and the prevailing tensions in West Asia.
During the meeting, the chief minister instructed all deputy commissioners to ensure no hoarding or black marketing of petroleum goods including LPG, stressing the need for strong oversight at the district level to prevent artificial scarcity of essential commodities.
“I think the administration as a whole is well aware of the situation, and is on top of things. I would like to reiterate that while the food and supplies department does its work, this must be complemented and supplemented in the districts,” Abdullah said.
He directed deputy commissioners to maintain strict oversight at district level to ensure smooth supply and fair distribution of essential commodities.
Abdullah said the administration must remain alert as the duration of the present crisis is uncertain. “We don’t know how long this will last. It could last a couple of days, it could last a few weeks. Let us assume it may last longer than we are comfortable with. Therefore, we must continue to ensure no artificial scarcity or black marketing,” he said.
He also directed the information department to keep the public informed about the stock and supply of essential commodities to prevent rumours and panic buying.
The chief minister also directed the administration to maintain constant vigil over the availability of commercial LPG, particularly in view of the ongoing Navratras, the upcoming Eid and the beginning of the tourist season.
He instructed officials to take inputs from stakeholders such as restaurant owners and hoteliers before any rationalisation of commercial LPG supply is undertaken in view of tourist inflow and festivities.
To ensure sustained availability and prevention of misuse several regulatory measures have been implemented, an official spokesman said.
He said the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system has been introduced to ensure LPG cylinders are delivered only to genuine consumers.
Oil marketing companies have also launched an e-KYC campaign to verify customer authenticity and identify inactive or duplicate LPG connections.
Regarding non-domestic LPG supplies, a temporary cap of 20 per cent of the average monthly consumption has been placed, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments.
The meeting was attended by ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. PTI MIJ ARB ARB
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