73 promoted FCS&CA storekeepers posted as tehsil supply officers
Srinagar, Jan 22: After months of administrative delays, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Kashmir, has issued posting orders for 73 promoted storekeepers as tehsil supply officers (TSOs).
The move, formalised through Order No. 30-DFCS&CAK of 2025, is expected to alleviate the severe staff shortage that has hampered departmental efficiency across the Kashmir, especially in Baramulla and Kupwara districts.
The development comes after Greater Kashmir last month highlighted the department's inability to assign postings to promoted storekeepers, despite their elevation being approved over two months ago.
The delay had caused significant disruptions in supply chain management and essential commodity distribution, leaving many key TSO positions vacant. An official within the FCS&CA department confirmed that the newly issued order will address the critical shortage of TSOs in districts like Baramulla and Kupwara, where the majority of sanctioned posts were being managed by overburdened storekeepers.
In Kupwara, out of 20 sanctioned TSO posts, only six were filled, with 14 being managed by storekeepers. Similarly, Baramulla faced a similar crisis, with only six of its 18 TSO positions occupied by designated officers. This trend persisted across Kashmir, leaving a major gap in departmental efficiency. The prolonged delay in issuing postings had disrupted operations of the department badly and these not posted had expressed frustration over being denied their rightful positions despite their promotion under Order No. 1382-DFCS&CAK of 2024.
The deployment of newly promoted TSOs is expected to bring much-needed relief to the department. Trained and authorised officers will now oversee supply chain operations, ensuring better management and reducing delays.
Consumers reliant on the department for essential commodities have long suffered from inefficiencies caused by staff shortages. With the operational capacity of the FCS&CA likely to improve, public satisfaction is also expected to rise.
“This decision will significantly strengthen our operations across the Kashmir division. The promoted officers postings will definitely streamline our supply chain processes,” said an official of the department.
