Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula chaired the first meeting of the State-Level Advisory Committee (SLAC) and discussed arrangements for ensuring safe food and a healthy diet under the Food Safety & Standards Regulations at the UT Secretariat on February 17. EH:

 He also reviewed the progress of Medical College at Leh. 
 
The meeting was attended by Additional Director General of Police, UT Ladakh; Commissioner /Secretary, Health & Medical Education; Commissioner/Secretary, School Education and Social Welfare; Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs; Representative of Packaged Food Business; President Hotel Association, Leh as the representative of Hotels, Restaurant and Catering establishments, and a representative of Consumer Organisations. 
 
Detailed discussion on the present administrative structure, departmental activities, redressal of grievances of consumers, food laboratory and food business operators and steps required to be taken to strengthen the food safety framework in Ladakh. 

It was informed that 235 establishments have a license, whereas 3,485 are registered. 

Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education informed that an amount of ₹1 crore was earmarked in the 2021-22 budget for the construction of a laboratory. The Advisor was also intimated about the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UT Ladakh & FSSAI, and the allocation of ₹75 lakh to procure equipment for the laboratory. 
 
Advisor Narula directed the officials to prepare training modules and awareness material such as posters, pamphlets and social media content on maintaining proper hygiene in food establishments. He stressed the need to have extensive inspection-cum-awareness camps for all stakeholders for ensuring safe, hygienic and healthy food with good shelf life. 

The officials were asked to expedite the inspection of shops in the markets to ensure that hygienic food items are sold to the customers. 
 
In respect of the proposed Medical College Leh, it was apprised that a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared to upgrade the SNM Hospital to a 450-bedded hospital.  Advisor Narula directed the Chief Engineer CPWD to expedite the process of engaging a consultant and tendering for the additional 250-bed hospital.