22/05/2026
Historic First AG Office J&K Hosts High-Level Consultative Meeting with J&K Pharma Fraternity to Resolve Ground-Level Grievances.
Today on 22th May 2026, in an unprecedented milestone for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors of Jammu & Kashmir, the Office of the Accountant General (Audit) J&K hosted a historic, high-level consultative meeting with the core leadership of the Jammu & Kashmir Chemists and Druggists Association (JKCDA) representing both the Kashmir and Jammu provinces.
The pathbreaking session was held upon a special invitation extended by Shri Tsewang Tharchin Accountant General (Audit) J&K, marking the first time in the region’s history that the highest audit authority has directly engaged with pharma stakeholders to address systemic challenges and administrative bottlenecks.
The high-powered dialogue witnessed robust representation from top audit officials and executive heads of the pharmaceutical fraternity across the Union Territory.
From the AG Office (Audit) J&K, Led by Shri Tsewang Tharchin (Accountant General) alongside the Deputy Accountant General, Shri Ankush Kumar,
Mr. Mohammad Khursheed Rasool (Senior Audit Officer) and other senior officials.
From Kashmir Province (JKCDA / SCDA) Led by Mr. Arshad Hussain Bhat President JKCDA (Kashmir Province) & SCDA accompanied by a senior executive delegation including Mr. A.A. Bhat (Chairman SCDA), Mr. Bilal Ahmad Khan (Senior Vice President SCDA), Mr. Mushtaq Pukhta (Chief Spokesperson SCDA), Mr. Shahid Parveez Koul (Organizing Secretary SCDA), Mr. Abdul Qayoom (PA/Advisor to President SCDA), and Mr. A.H. Nassir (Tehsil General Secretary SCDA).
From Jammu Province (JKCDA) Participating virtually, the Jammu counterpart was led by Mr. Gurmeet Singh (President JKCDA Jammu Province), Mr. Ajay Gupta ,General Secretary JKCDA (Jammu Province) and Mr. Surjeet Singh Vice President JKCDA (Jammu Province).
The pharma representatives of J&K expressed profound gratitude to the Accountant General for providing an unprecedented, transparent platform. The association submitted and thoroughly discussed a comprehensive agenda aimed at resolving deep-seated operational difficulties faced by law-abiding traders on the ground.
Leadership Voices
Reflecting on the magnitude of the convention, Mr. Arshad Hussain Bhat, President of JKCDA (Kashmir Province) and SCDA stated this is a defining moment for our fraternity. For the first time in history, the stakeholders of the pharma sector have been directly called upon by the AG office to voice our ground-level difficulties.
We deeply appreciate this highly transparent, empathetic approach and are incredibly optimistic about constructive, long-term resolutions.
The Office of the Accountant General took strong, meticulous note of every issue presented by the delegation.
Shri Tsewang Tharchin (AG) and his team assured the fraternity that the highlighted points would receive strict, due consideration.
Key Agenda and Core
points of discussion included.
Day-to-Day Operational Grievances and Addressing immediate hurdles faced by law-abiding traders on the ground to ensure the smooth supply of life-saving medicines.
Highlighting the critical, long-pending vacant post of Deputy Drug Controller, Kashmir Division, which has remained unoccupied for the last more then two years, slowing down regulatory efficiency.
The requested establishment of Pharma Bhawan in both provinces, and the expedited ex*****on of long-pending Pharmacy Council elections to ensure democratic representation of the pharma fraternity.
Restraining the misuse of online medicines (E-pharmacies) to protect public health and ensure compliance with regional trade safety standards.
We firmly also raised the critical demand with Accountant General, for a Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir, beyond financial governance and emphasized that safeguarding the future of our youth and ensuring a healthy, drug-free society must be a top priority for the region’s development and progress.
