Free ration, LPG cylinder within 6 months: Satish

Says will counter terrorism with tourism, ensure no hunger

Srinagar, Dec 19: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Satish Sharma on Friday said that no one will sleep hungry in J&K and government will fulfil its promise of free ration and LPG cylinders within the next six months.

Talking to reporters here, Minister Sharma said, “Promises of free ration and gas cylinders will be fulfilled within next six months. Welfare of the poor remains a top priority. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure that all commitments are met.”

The Minister said: “We are peace-loving people. Our message is clear and we will respond to terrorism with tourism. The government will stand by every poor family. No one will sleep hungry and our promises will be fulfilled within the next six months.”

“A comprehensive plan has been put in place to ensure uninterrupted food supplies during the harsh winter months, particularly in snow-bound and high-altitude districts,” the Minister said, adding, “Essential commodities have been dumped across all winter zones. There will be no shortage even during extended highway closures.”

He also shared that the department has initiated the ‘procurement of 20 mobile testing laboratories’ for district-level quality checks. “Each district will have a mobile lab vehicle to monitor ration and food quality. Strict action will follow against adulteration,” he said, referring to recent issues involving raw meat and eggs.

Admitting that resource limitations remain a challenge, the minister said: “We inherited several problems and expectations have multiplied a thousandfold in the past decade. Despite limited funds, we are working with honesty and fairness. Justice will be done.”

On the issue of pending ration cards and split families, Sharma said discrepancies are being addressed. “We have requested the Centre to extend special concessions to J&K given its unique geography. Split families, widows and other deserving groups are genuine cases and we are committed to their inclusion,” he said.