The Legal Metrology Department is a government authority dedicated to regulating and maintaining standards of weights and measures to ensure accuracy, transparency, and fairness in trade and commerce. It derives its mandate from the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.The department oversees the implementation of laws related to weights and measures to protect consumers from fraudulent practices. It ensures that instruments like weighing scales, fuel dispensers, meters, and packaged goods adhere to prescribed standards.
Functions:
- Standardization of Measurements:
Ensuring uniformity and accuracy in weights and measures used in trade and commerce.
- Verification and Calibration:
Testing, verifying, and certifying weighing and measuring instruments.
- Consumer Protection:
Safeguarding consumers from fraudulent practices related to inaccurate measurements.
- Inspection and Monitoring:
Conducting regular inspections of measuring devices, packaged goods, and commercial establishments to ensure compliance.
- Regulation of Packaged Goods:
Monitoring labelling requirements, including weight, quantity, and pricing details on packaged products.
- Licensing and Approval:
Issuing licenses for the manufacturing, sale, and repair of weighing and measuring instruments.
- Enforcement of Laws:
Taking legal action against violations of metrology laws and regulations.
- Promotion of Fair Trade Practices:
Building trust between buyers and sellers by ensuring transparent and accurate measurements.
Achievements:
The Legal Metrology Department has achieved several milestones that contribute to transparency in trade, consumer protection, and the standardization of weights and measures. Here are some notable achievements:
- Consumer Protection
Significant reduction in fraudulent practices by enforcing accurate measurements in trade.
Implementation of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules and Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and also ensuring all packaged goods display key information like weight, quantity, and price.
- Revenue generation:
The department has consistently generated significant revenue through fines collected from violations of the Legal Metrology Act, with reports indicating substantial figures like Rs 9.10 Lakhs in the previous financial year.
- Market surveillance:
Regular market inspections to identify and penalize businesses engaging in unfair trade practices related to weights and measures, including checking packaged commodity declarations.
