JAMMU: With Diwali festivities fast approaching, the Legal Metrology Department of Jammu & Kashmir, under the directions of Controller Anuradha Gupta, has intensified market inspections at commercial hubs across Jammu District. The inspections aim to enforce the Legal Metrology Act and rules and educate traders and sensitize them for voluntary compliance of the provisions of the Legal Metrology Department, in-line with the government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiative.
During the ongoing inspections, Legal Metrology officers are actively regulating the markets round the clock to ensure that traders adhere to accurate weighing, measurement, and labelling standards. While minor infractions are addressed with on-the-spot rectifications, the department has taken action for serious violations, booking four business houses for non-compliance, including a famous bakery store at Gole Market in Gandhi Nagar, a Punjab-based bakery chain, opposite Bahu Plaza, a furnishing store at Marble Market, and an apparel brand in the Wave Mall.
In an advisory issued by the Department, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and assert their rights while making any purchases. According to the standing regulations, all the pre-packaged commodities must bear a set of information for the consumers, including the address of the manufacturer/packer/importer; the name of the country of the origin in case of imported products; the common or generic name of commodity, Net Quantity, Maximum Retail Price (MRP) (inclusive of all taxes), Customer Care Details (name, address, contact no, email of a person or office). This information boosts consumer confidence and protects them from being fleeced, thereby avoiding instances of deception/ cheating/fraudulent practices adopted by erring traders.
The Department has also instructed traders to use certified weighing scales and be cautious against the short-weighed sale of goods, particularly sweets, bakery items and jewellery. Consumers are encouraged to report any instances of over-charging or short-weight sales for swift action against unscrupulous traders. The Legal Metrology Department remains committed to the cause of consumers in protecting their rights, and ensuring transparency in marketplace transactions as the festive season approaches.
