JAMMU, Nov 2: Shiv Sena Hindustan, Jammu and Kashmir, has urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to take immediate measures to prevent the sale of adulterated food products and arbitrary overpricing of sweets during the festive season.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, party’s J&K President Pt. Rajesh Kesri congratulated the government on the commencement of the Civil Secretariat’s functioning in Jammu. He also extended his congratulations and best wishes to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on his wedding, while urging him and the concerned ministers to prioritise public health, consumer protection and effective enforcement of food safety regulations.
Kesri expressed concern over the alleged use of substandard and adulterated ingredients in sweets and other food products being sold in markets during the festive season.
He said that the use of synthetic or inferior-quality khoya, adulterated paneer, harmful artificial colours, substandard edible oils and adulterated ghee could pose serious health risks, particularly when the consumption of festive food items increases.
He stressed that no trader or manufacturer should be allowed to compromise public health for commercial gains. He urged the concerned departments to intensify inspections of sweet shops, confectionery units, restaurants and other food establishments and collect samples of sweets, khoya, paneer, ghee, edible oils and other commonly used ingredients.
Demanding greater accountability, Kesri said that laboratory testing of collected samples should be expedited and the results declared before Diwali so that appropriate legal action could be initiated against those found selling adulterated or unsafe food products.
He observed that inspections conducted by the concerned departments appeared inadequate and lacked the required urgency, particularly considering the increased risk to consumers during the festive season.
He specifically called upon the Health Department, Food Safety Department and Legal Metrology Department to conduct coordinated enforcement drives across Jammu city and other parts of the Union Territory.
Raising concerns over arbitrary pricing, Kesri alleged that several shopkeepers and vendors were charging different prices for identical food items and other products without maintaining transparency.
Citing the example of samosas, he said that an item available for Rs. 10 at one shop was being sold for Rs. 15 or even Rs. 20 at another establishment. He added that similar price variations could be observed in several other food products and fried items, placing an unnecessary financial burden on ordinary consumers.
He demanded regular market inspections, verification of displayed price lists and weighing instruments, and strict enforcement of rules governing weights, measurements, packaged commodities and pricing disclosures.
Kesri maintained that the festive season should not become an opportunity for unscrupulous traders to exploit consumers, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections.
While businesses have the right to earn profits, he said, commercial interests cannot be allowed to override public health and consumer rights.
Questioning the effectiveness of existing enforcement mechanisms, he said that government departments entrusted with protecting citizens must demonstrate visible results rather than merely exist on paper.
He urged the concerned ministers to personally monitor their respective departments and ensure accountability among officials.
He further warned that departments responsible for food safety, quality control and consumer protection must be held accountable if they fail to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“Protecting public health and safeguarding the hard-earned money of ordinary consumers are fundamental responsibilities of the government. No one should be permitted to play with people’s health or exploit them through arbitrary pricing. The government must ensure that the law is implemented in letter and spirit,” Kesri asserted.
Shiv Sena Hindustan appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the concerned ministers to immediately direct all relevant departments to launch special anti-adulteration and market inspection drives, expedite food testing, publicise sample results and initiate strict legal action against violators.
Kesri said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve safe food, fair prices and an accountable administrative system, particularly during festivals when families spend a significant portion of their income on essential commodities and traditional food items.