Delay In fresh Licence, Renew Pharma Dealers Fear Closure

SRINAGAR, DEC 28 – Scores of wholesale pharma dealers across Kashmir might end up closing their businesses due to inexplicable delays by the Drug Control dept in renewing their licences

A group of seemingly distraught dealers told Srinagar Observer that they might have to shut offices due to inordinate delay by the deputy drug control Kashmir in clearing their submissions for renewal of the licences.

Others, who seek to start the trade and require a Wholesale drug licence after completing all the formalities, may even fail to start the venture.

Several dealers told Srinagar Observer that they have been making regular rounds of the department because the deputy drug controller Kashmir, a woman, continues to resort to dilly-dallying tactics in clearing their requests.

“ My request has been pending for the last two years,” said one of them. Another said the deputy drug controller meets a few people and then calls it a day long before the working hours’ end.

“Every day five to ten people meet her and request her to consider the cases on humanitarian grounds as further delay could lead to the closure of their business,’’ he said.

He said they have to pay rent and the staff they hired, but the same may not be possible if the said officer doesn’t clear their submissions.

“We have completed all the formalities. Now she needs to give the last push and put the same on the department’s website, ” he said. “That has not happened for some strange reason.” He said they can’t fathom why the woman officer from clearing their cases.

“ Seeing how she deals with us leaves tall claims of the LG administration hollow,’’ he said.

“I have started this business with great difficulty, but now I think the future is bleak the way we are being treated,’’ he said.

Shakeel- ur Rehman, Commissioner, FDA, J&K said they will look into the matter on a priority basis and clear all cases worthy of final approval without delay.

He said they would ensure that no one feels harassed or faces any inconveniences.