Kupwara, Jan 6: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan attended a high-level meeting involving Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, and Managing Directors and CEOs of major banks, including State Bank of India, Indian Bank and Canara Bank. Several critical public-interest issues were discussed during the meeting.

Addressing food security concerns, MP Ramzan expressed serious concern that the distribution of food grains and essential ration items under the National Food Security framework is still based on the 2011 beneficiary survey.

He pointed out that after nearly 14 years, significant changes in population and socio-economic conditions have taken place, leading to the exclusion of many deserving families from food security coverage. He strongly urged that until a fresh survey is conducted, alternative arrangements must be made to ensure food grains and essential supplies reach all eligible left-out beneficiaries, so that no family is deprived of its right to food. His intervention was appreciated and lauded by other members of the Committee.

The MP also raised consumer concerns regarding the alleged distribution of substandard “plastic rice” under the Public Distribution System. He sought a clear factual clarification from the authorities and details of action taken if such complaints are found to be genuine. Emphasising that food safety and quality are non-negotiable, particularly in welfare schemes meant for the poor and vulnerable, he called for strict quality checks, transparent monitoring mechanisms and stringent action to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to restore public confidence in the food supply system.

On banking issues, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan highlighted the sharp disparity between high loan interest rates charged to customers, often ranging from 11 to 14 per cent, and the relatively low interest rates of around 5 to 6 per cent offered on deposits. While acknowledging the substantial profits reported by banks, he stressed that customers and depositors form the backbone of the banking system. He urged a review of interest rate policies to ensure they are balanced, transparent and fair in the larger public interest.

Raising concerns over digital banking, the MP pointed out that while UPI transactions are largely free, customers are often burdened with charges on debit and credit card transactions, frequently without proper awareness or informed consent. He noted that these hidden charges cumulatively impose an unnecessary financial burden on ordinary citizens and urged that such charges be reviewed and waived in the public interest to keep digital banking affordable, transparent and inclusive, especially for small account holders and first-time users.

The MP further drew attention to customer service standards in banks, particularly the lack of human sensitivity in dealing with customers, including senior citizens. He stressed that arrogance, unruly conduct or insensitive behaviour by bank staff is unacceptable and must attract strict and deterrent action. He also called for dedicated facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, including adequate seating, priority assistance, barrier-free access and the mandatory availability of clean toilets and washrooms at all bank branches to ensure citizen-centric banking services.

At the conclusion of the meeting, MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan was warmly felicitated and accorded a gracious welcome by senior officials, including Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, and the Managing Directors and CEOs of the banks present.

Srinagar, Jan 06: Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Qazi Irfan on Tuesday said that no increase has been effected in transport fares so far, clarifying that any revision will only come into force after formal approval by the government.

Talking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, the RTO said that the Transport Commissioner had held deliberations with transporter bodies from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. During these discussions, a proposal recommending an increase of a specific percentage in bus fares was drafted and submitted to the Fare Fixation Committee, which subsequently forwarded it to the government for consideration.

“The proposal is presently with the government. Till date, there has been no increase in any transport fare. The decision now rests with the government, and only after approval will revised rates be officially notified,” he said.

On the issue of outside vehicles being purchased by locals, the RTO said such vehicles are mandatorily required to be registered with the local transport office along with complete documentation. He pointed out that no objection certificates have a validity of only six months, but there are cases where vehicles brought from outside states have not been re registered for two to three years, which constitutes a clear violation of rules.

He said the transport department has taken note of such cases and enforcement action will be taken to ensure compliance with registration norms.

Addressing traffic congestion in Srinagar city, the RTO said every effort is being made to ease pressure on roads. He said measures such as restricting the movement of e rickshaws on major routes have already been implemented as part of a broader decongestion strategy.

“This is not a one time exercise. Traffic management is a continuous process, and further steps will be taken in coordination with the traffic department to improve movement in the city,” he added. [KNT]

Anantnag, Jan 06: The Food Safety Department on Tuesday banned the sale of Cremica Digestive biscuits in Anantnag district after laboratory analysis found the product unsafe for consumption due to excess sulphite content.

The prohibition follows the collection of a biscuit sample by a Food Safety Officer from Larnoo.

The sample, sold under the brand name Cremica Digestive (Lot No. BD10K25), was manufactured and marketed by Mrs. Bector’s Food Specialities Ltd., officials said.

According to the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad, the sample failed safety standards. “The product was declared unsafe on account of sulphite content exceeding the maximum prescribed limit,” the laboratory stated in its report (No. JK-794/JAN/26/910) dated Jan. 1, 2026.

Designated Officer Food Safety, Anantnag, Sheikh Zameer Ahmad, said the action was taken in the interest of public health. “Consumption of food items containing sulphite above permissible limits can pose serious health risks, particularly to sensitive individuals,” he said.

Invoking powers under Section 36(3)(b) of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006, Ahmad ordered an immediate ban on the sale of the product within Anantnag district. “Manufacture and sale of unsafe food is prohibited under the Act, and strict action is warranted to safeguard consumers,” he added.

Officials said the prohibition will remain in force until further orders. “Food business operators have been directed to immediately stop the sale of the product and ensure compliance with food safety regulations,” Ahmad said.

The Food Safety Department has warned that any violation of the order will invite action under relevant provisions of the FSS Act, officials said.

Earlier also on December, 12 last year Authorities in Anantnag had banned the sale of a batch of Priyagold Butter Delite biscuits after a government laboratory confirmed sulphite levels beyond the permissible limit.

Baramulla, Jan 06: Describing drug abuse as the gravest internal threat confronting Jammu and Kashmir after terrorism, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood Ul Zamaan on Tuesday said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared and committed to confronting the narcotics menace with firmness and continuity.

Speaking to media persons, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, DIG said, North Kashmir Police have recorded major breakthroughs in their anti-drug operations in recent months, dismantling several trafficking modules, recovering substantial quantities of contraband and arresting multiple individuals involved in the illicit trade.

He said habitual and key offenders have also been booked under the PIT NDPS Act to ensure they are prevented from further harming society.

“Eradicating drugs is not a task for police alone. Community involvement is indispensable. People must come forward and share information so that this threat can be eliminated from its roots,” Ul Zamaan said.

The DIG said authorities are also targeting the financial infrastructure of drug syndicates by attaching and confiscating properties of traffickers, aimed at crippling the entire ecosystem supporting the illegal trade.

Commenting on the misuse of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), he said such digital tools are often exploited to mask criminal activities and are being closely monitored, as their misuse also poses serious security concerns.

On border security, Ul Zamaan said North Kashmir, being close to the Line of Control, remains sensitive, but stressed that comprehensive security arrangements and continuous surveillance are in place to foil any infiltration attempts.

Reaffirming the resolve of J&K Police, the DIG said the crackdown on narcotics will be intensified further, alongside sustained public outreach, to protect society especially the youth from the devastating impact of drugs.