Satish Sharma emphasizes robust enforcement mechanism in Legal Metrology, zero tolerance for consumer exploitation

JAMMU : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Legal Metrology Department to assess its functioning and strengthen enforcement mechanisms aimed at protecting the consumer interests.

The meeting was attended by Controller Legal Metrology and other senior officers of the department. They briefed the Minister on the current status of enforcement drives, manpower deployment, inspection mechanisms, and key challenges being faced in ensuring compliance across markets.

Emphasizing the critical role of the Legal Metrology Department in safeguarding the consumer rights, the Minister directed the officials to intensify regular market inspections and ensure strict adherence to the prescribed standards. He stressed that enforcement must be visible, consistent and effective to deter violations and build consumer confidence.

Sharma laid special emphasis on inspection of petrol pumps, directing the department to undertake frequent and surprise checks to prevent any malpractice in measurement and delivery. He said that even minor discrepancies in fuel dispensing directly impact the consumers and must be dealt with firmly. He instructed that strict penal action be taken against the erring outlets found violating norms.

The Minister further directed the officials to widen the scope of inspections to cover shops, retail outlets and other commercial establishments. He called for strict monitoring of the use of standardized weights and measures, proper stamping and verification of equipment and mandatory display of price lists and other consumer-related information to ensure transparency and accountability.

Highlighting the need for a proactive approach, Sharma asked the department to strengthen its field presence and adopt a technology-driven monitoring system to ensure efficiency and accountability. He also stressed the importance of regular awareness campaigns to educate the consumers about their rights and encourage them to report violations.

Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to consumer protection, the Minister called for a zero-tolerance policy against any form of malpractice, fraud or exploitation. He directed that enforcement action be taken promptly and without exception, ensuring that defaulters are dealt with strictly under the law.

The Minister also reviewed the department’s future action plan and stressed the need for better coordination with district administrations and other enforcement agencies to ensure uniform implementation of Legal Metrology laws across all regions.

The senior officers assured the Minister that necessary steps would be taken to further strengthen the enforcement and enhance transparency in market practices.