ADC Kupwara reviews GST reforms, food safety measures

Kupwara, Sep 29: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Gulzar Ahmad on Monday chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the implementation of recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and ensure that the benefits of reduced tax rates reach consumers at the grassroots level.

The ADC stressed strict enforcement to prevent overpricing and directed departments to form special market-checking teams for intensified inspections across the district. These teams will monitor markets to ensure that commodity prices reflect the recent GST rate cuts announced by the Central Government. He warned that strict action will follow against any violations.

He also asked departments to step up IEC campaigns to spread awareness about GST reforms so that people can fully benefit from the price reductions. Officers from Health, Revenue, RDD, Food & Civil Supplies and other concerned departments were present in the meeting.

Later, the ADC chaired a separate meeting of the District Level Advisory Committee on Safe Food and Healthy Diets. The meeting reviewed departmental measures to promote safe food practices, conduct awareness campaigns, and ensure hygienic food in markets, schools, and Anganwadi centres.

The ADC underlined the importance of inter-departmental coordination in creating mass awareness on food safety standards and encouraging healthy diets at the community level. He directed the Food Safety Department to intensify inspections of food establishments, keep a close watch on adulteration, and enforce quality norms. The Education and ICDS departments were asked to sensitise students and children through regular health and nutrition awareness drives.

The meetings were attended by the CEO Kupwara, AC Food Safety, AD Food, and officers from Health, Police, Revenue, Municipalities and other departments.