Jammu, Jan 13: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD),   Qamar Ali Akhoon today took stock of the availability of foodgrains and other essentials in various remote areas of district Kishtwar.
 The Minister also addressed public gatherings at several places and held open public darbar. While interacting with the people, the Minister assured adequate supply of ration and other essentials on the sale out-lets of the department.  He said the officers have already been directed to stock sufficient quantity of foodgrains to meet the winter requirement of those areas which remain cut off during winter months, an official statement said.
 Responding to the complaint of people of Nowpachi, regarding stocking of insufficient food grains, the Minister took serious note of the delay and ordered inquiry in the matter by a committee, comprising Assistant Commissioner, Revenue , Kishtwar and two locals from Nowpachi . The Committee has been asked to  submit its report within a month.
 Meanwhile, the Minister also ordered suspension of Tehsil Supply Officers (TSO) of Warwan, Marwah and Nowpachi besides storekeeper of Nowpachi for their  unauthorized absence from duty.
 Akhoon said that prescribed ration cards will be issued to the consumers of these areas shortly so that they are able to get their due ration on the new ration cards.
 The Minister also announced that a kerosene depot would be opened at Inshan to ensure smooth supply of Kerosene oil to Dachan block after reopening of Margan road.
 People put-forth charter of demands at different places,  which include construction of roads, availability of funds and operation of helicopter services in hilly areas. The Minister listened to the problems of the people and assured that the matters would be taken up with the concerned ministries as well as the Chief Minister.
 Akhoon said uplift of weaker sections is high on the agenda of the Government, adding that several schemes are being run by the Government to improve the socio economic status of  downtrodden sections of the society.
 Commissioner Secretary, CA&PD and Transport,   Pradeep Gupta, Director, CA&PD, Jammu   Parvez Ahmad Malik, Additional Secretary, CA&PD,   Imtiyaz Ahmad accompanied the Minister, who visited Wardwan, Marwah, Dachan, Inshan, Novpochi and Sundal.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST