Satish Sharma reviews functioning of Legal Metrology Deptt, Reiterates deptt’s role in consumer safety

Jammu: Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, on Wednesday paid surprise visit to the office of the Legal Metrology department at Narwal and conducted an in-depth review of the departmental functioning.
Controller Legal Metrology, Anuradha Gupta, presented a detailed overview of the departmental activities, emphasizing upon its critical role in consumer protection, fair trade practices and enforcement of standard weights and measures in commercial transactions.
In a PowerPoint Presentation, she highlighted the contribution of the department towards safeguarding consumer rights by enforcing the provisions of Legal Metrology Act and rules. She also elaborated that all ten services being provided by the department are available online on the J&K Single Window.
She apprised the Minister that during this financial year the department conducted 59000 inspections throughout J&K and booked 2876 cases under various sections of the Legal Metrology Act and rules. Besides, the department conducted 301 verification camps and 562 traders awareness camps.
For making consumers aware about the legal provisions and remedies available under the Legal Metrology Act and the Consumer Protection Act, the department also organized 453 consumer awareness camps.
The Minister commended the proactive approach of the Legal Metrology team, noting their achievement of targets ahead of schedule. He stressed upon the importance of accuracy in trade transactions, from verifying the correct dispensing of fuel at petrol pumps to ensuring the precise measurement of packaged commodities.
The Minister also reiterated the vital role of Legal Metrology department in everyday consumer safety. He took a round of the Legal Metrology complex and inspected the Secondary Standards Lab.
The Minister was briefed by the concerned officer about the role and importance of laboratory equipment in ensuring accuracy in weights and measures.
The Minister interacted with the officers present during the visit including Assistant Controllers, Accounts officer and other staff members. He appreciated the efforts of the department and urged them to continue working diligently for upholding compliance with legal standards and protecting the interests of the consumers.