Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that regular market inspections and sampling of rice are being carried out across the Union Territory to check the sale of adulterated food items, even as steps are being taken to strengthen academic infrastructure and optimise resources in government colleges.
Replying to a question raised by Shamim Firdous, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo said the Health Department is conducting routine inspections and collecting rice samples across Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
She informed the House that during the financial year 2025–26, as many as 121 rice samples were lifted and sent to NABL-accredited food testing laboratories for analysis. Of these, 110 test reports have been received so far. “Seven samples were found to be Not of Standard Quality (NSQ), and cases have been filed in competent courts as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006,” the Minister said.
Providing further details, she said that out of the seven NSQ samples, three were found to have folic acid content below prescribed standards, while four samples contained chalky kernels exceeding permissible limits under the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) norms. She reiterated that regular inspections and sampling would continue across the UT to safeguard public health.
Meanwhile, replying to a separate question by Nizam-ud-Din Bhat regarding H.K. Government Degree College (GDC), Bandipora, the Minister, who also holds the Education portfolio, said the government is prioritising enhancement of student enrolment, strengthening of academic offerings, and better utilisation of existing institutional resources in Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.
She informed the House that at present, the Science-cum-Administrative Block, equipped with laboratories, a 12-room Lecture Hall Block, and three pre-fabricated huts are being utilised for academic activities at H.K. GDC Bandipora. She added that projects including a Girls’ Hostel, Meditation and Yoga Centre, Skill Centre, and three additional pre-fabricated huts are under execution, while the tendering process for a playground is also underway.
On the demand for a separate women’s degree college in Bandipora, the Minister said that while the government is keen on boosting overall enrolment in colleges, the establishment of a separate women’s college in the district may not be viable at this stage, as it could further fragment enrolment in the existing institution.
She maintained that the government’s focus remains on improving academic standards and infrastructure across colleges to ensure quality education and optimal use of available resources for the benefit of students.