ANANTNAG, JUNE 03: Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K, Shiv Kumar Gupta today conducted an inspection of the under-construction Working Standard Laboratories at Anantnag and Pulwama and reviewed the progress of the project.
During the inspection, the Controller, accompanied by Assistant Controllers of Kashmir Division and officers and engineers of the Roads and Buildings Department, conducted a detailed review of the ongoing construction works of the upcoming Working Standard Laboratories at Anantnag and Pulwama being established by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the regulatory infrastructure of the Legal Metrology Department. He directed the executing agencies and concerned officers to expedite the pace of work and ensure completion of the projects within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Emphasizing the Government’s commitment towards strengthening service delivery and consumer protection mechanisms, he assured that adequate funds would be made available for timely completion of these important projects. The executing agencies, in turn, assured that the works would be completed within the prescribed timeline. The Controller observed that the establishment of these modern laboratories would significantly enhance the department’s testing, verification and enforcement capabilities and provide efficient regulatory services closer to the doorstep of traders, industrialists, entrepreneurs and consumers across South Kashmir, thereby promoting transparency and fairness in trade practices.
After the review, the Controller interacted with representatives of the Bakery Association Anantnag and Petrol Pump Association Anantnag regarding the implementation of Jan Vishwas 2.0. He highlighted that the reforms introduced under the initiative have brought significant changes to the enforcement framework of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, particularly through the introduction of Improvement Notices for specified first-time offences. He stated that these measures are aimed at promoting ease of doing business, reducing compliance burdens and fostering a trust-based regulatory environment while ensuring effective consumer protection. The representatives were also sensitized about the revised compliance framework and their responsibilities under the Legal Metrology laws.
Referring to the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, the Controller informed that the Legal Metrology Department has intensified market surveillance measures in Anantnag district, through which the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra trade route passes. He issued strict directions to field officers to ensure that no pilgrim is subjected to overcharging, short-weighment, sale of substandard products or any other unfair trade practices during the pilgrimage.
Emphasizing the Department’s commitment towards consumer protection, he directed that effective enforcement and regular market inspections be carried out throughout the Yatra period to safeguard the interests of pilgrims and ensure availability of correctly weighed and fairly priced commodities and services.
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