Residents demand quality testing, inquiry into supply chain; officials say matter referred to Director for action

Aqzar Raheel 

Ganderbal, July 25(KNZ/TMJ): Residents of Lar Circle in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have alleged that wheat flour supplied through government sale centres is of such poor quality that it is unfit for human consumption, prompting demands for an immediate inquiry into the supply chain and quality control mechanisms.

The allegations, raised by several consumers in the area, have sparked concerns over the quality of essential food commodities being distributed under government-run outlets. Residents have urged the administration to collect samples for laboratory testing, trace the source of the flour and fix responsibility if lapses are found.

“We depend on these sale centres for essential food grains. The flour being supplied is of poor quality and appears unfit for consumption. The authorities must act before it affects public health,” a resident told Kashmir News Zone-the Media Journal.

The residents have also demanded stringent action against the supplying flour mill, including its blacklisting if the allegations are found to be true after an official inquiry.

When contacted, Assistant Director, Mills, Bilal Ahmad said the complaints had already reached his office and the matter had been escalated to the Director for further action.

“The issue has already come to my notice. I have written to the Director regarding the matter, and I hope it will be resolved in the coming days,” Ahmad said told Kashmir News Zone-the Media journal.

The allegations have renewed questions about quality assurance in the distribution of subsidised food grains through government sale centres. Residents have called for a time-bound investigation and greater transparency to restore public confidence in the system.

The administration has acknowledged receiving the complaints and said the matter is under consideration. The allegations made by residents have not yet been independently verified, and the findings of the official inquiry are awaited.(KNZ/TMJ)