Ramadan: CM Omar calls for market checking to curb overpricing, ensure quality food

Asks DCs to maintain strict vigil on individuals, organizations collecting donations

Srinagar, Mar 03: The government has passed strict directions to the enforcement agencies, asking them to ensure no overpricing of the essentials in the markets during the month of Ramadan.

As per the record note, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), of the meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on March 1, the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) and other allied departments have been asked to conduct market checking for ensuring proper display of rate lists by the traders/shopkeepers.

The direction was passed to ensure that there is no unfair practice and ensuring appropriate strict action under law against delinquent shopkeepers or traders.

The departments have asked to ensure availability of essential commodities viz; rice, atta, sugar, LPG etc., besides, fair pricing of essential commodities and conducting of intensive market checking to curb the menace of hoarding, black marketing and illegal profiteering.

Further, the Agriculture Production Department has been asked to ensure availability of poultry, sheep, fish, vegetables etc.

Also, the Chief Minister has directed for effective public service delivery, control of over pricing and ensuring quality of essential commodities and products, random market checking to ensure that instances of overcharging are fully checked and standard and purity of the products sold by the shopkeepers, retailers and fruit vendors are maintained.

Pertinently, the KNO has already reported that in absence of the government regulations, prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in Kashmir and no quality check has added to the insecurities of the consumers.

The Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) that regulated the prices and checked the quality of essential items like bread, mutton, vegetables, and milk lost its teeth after the markets were decontrolled in the Valley, with one of the officials claiming that the department has no power to regulate the prices of the essential commodities sold in the open market.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also passed strict directions on ensuring adequate electricity and water supply to the people in Ramadan.

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has been asked to distribute aid to underprivileged families and support community welfare programmes. Assistance to widows, and orphans be released on priority, it reads.

The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to maintain strict vigil on individuals and organizations collecting donations to prevent fraud and ensure funds are used for genuine welfare purposes. “Set up helpline numbers where people can report suspicious fundraising activities. Identify and publicize a list of verified NGOs/charitable institutions,” the Chief Minister has told all DCs—(KNO)

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir – March 3, 2025

Forecast Overview

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued the latest weather update for Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting expected rainfall and snowfall patterns over the coming days. Travelers, farmers, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions.

Weather Forecast

• March 3: Light to moderate rain/snow is expected across most areas. Higher reaches in North and Central Kashmir may experience moderate to heavy snowfall.
• March 4 – 9: Generally dry weather is expected across the region.
• March 10 – 12: A fresh spell of rain and snow is likely to impact several areas.

Weather Advisory & Precautions

⚠ Heavy Snowfall Alert: There is a possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches on March 3, which could disrupt normal activities.

⚠ Landslide & Rockfall Risk: Vulnerable areas may experience landslides, rockfalls, shooting stones, and mudslides. Travelers are advised to remain cautious while on the road.

⚠ Travel Advisory: Tourists, transporters, and commuters must adhere to official advisories from local administration and traffic authorities. Road blockages or delays due to weather conditions are possible.

⚠ Farmer Advisory: Farmers are advised to suspend irrigation and other farming operations until March 4 due to wet conditions.

⚠ Avalanche Warning: Residents and travelers should avoid slopy and avalanche-prone areas, particularly in higher altitudes.

Conclusion

The current weather pattern indicates varying conditions in Jammu & Kashmir, with snowfall and rainfall affecting higher reaches and general stability in lower regions. People are advised to stay updated with official weather reports and take necessary safety measures.

Government committed to restore statehood to J&K: LG Sinha in Assembly

Says will continue to engage with stakeholders; Govt committed to ensure timely Panchayat, Local Body elections in J&K

Jammu, Mar 03 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said the government is commitment to fulfilling the long-standing demand of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He made the remarks during his address on the first day of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s budget session in Jammu today.

The LG, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the government is dedicated to engaging with stakeholders until the desire for statehood is realised.

“The government is committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We will continue to engage with all stakeholders to achieve this goal,” Sinha said.

The LG added that the government is committed to facilitate the return of Kashmiri pandits and create a safe and conducive environment for it.

He also said the government is committed to strengthen the Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies by ensuring timely elections in the Union Territory.

His remarks come amid heightened political activity in the region, with opposition parties gearing up to challenge the government on several contentious issues.

The budget session, which began today with the LG’s address, is expected to witness heated debates as opposition parties, including the BJP, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Peoples Conference, are set to corner the government on a range of issues.

Key issues likely to dominate the session include election commitments, the abrogation of Article 370, and the ongoing reservation row—(KNO)