Increase in ration quota, 12 gas cylinders will be our new year gift to J-K people: Minister Satish Sharma

Srinagar, Nov 20: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma on Wednesday said that enhancing ration quota and 12 gas cylinders will be the new year gift of Omar Abdullah-led government to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharma who was on a visit to Srinagar’s Rainawari to express sympathy with fire victims, whose structures were gutted in a devastating fire yesterday, said that all arrangements have been put in place for winter months.

He also said that statehood restoration is the priority of government as chief minister Omar Abdullah has himself met top leadership in New Delhi for this purpose.

“I believe PM Narendra Modi is himself interested in restoring the statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. Similarly all other issues will be addressed after its restoration accordingly,” Sharma said.

The minister sought 11 months time to fill the gaps created in the last 11 years.

On being asked about winter preparedness, he said that officers in the administration are quite intelligent, but there are some deficiencies, which will be filled.

"All arrangements, like dumping of essentials, have been put in place. But, we need to stay alert to tackle any challenge," he added.