JAMMU: To enforce compliance with regulatory standards by helmet sellers and manufacturers, the Controller Legal Metrology, J&K constituted enforcement teams to take strict action against manufacturers and sellers of non-standard helmets across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Legal Metrology Department launched a special drive to conduct inspections at the sale outlets of helmets for compliance with the mandatory declarations required under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011. The Legal Metrology department was also given instructions by the Chief Secretary, J&K at its recently held review meeting on implementation of recommendations of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety. These instructions aimed at eliminating the sale of non-standard helmets in the market and ensuring better road safety for two-wheeler riders.
In a well coordinated special drive executed under the close supervision of Controller Legal Metrology J&K, Anuradha Gupta, the enforcement teams conducted simultaneous surprise inspections in all districts of J&K at the retail outlets and distributors of helmets The inspections focused on ensuring that helmets adhere to the legal metrology guidelines and carry BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification.
The teams of LMD inspected 320 establishments and 42 cases under Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules 2011 were booked. However, among the seizures made, some helmets not complying to the BIS specifications were also seized and will be handed over for further legal proceedings to BIS which is the enforcement agency for ensuring quality standards in helmets. During this special drive 5000 non standard helmets were seized including bulk stocks at two Godowns at Digiana and R S Pura. LMD appreciated SP South Ajay Sharma who promptly provided police assistance when it was sought at some of the inspection sites.
“This drive underscores our commitment to ensuring that only certified and safe helmets, which strictly adhere to Legal Metrology guidelines, are made available to consumers and such drives shall continue in future as well.” said Anuradha Gupta, Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K The department has strictly advised all sellers against the sale of helmets that fail to bear mandatory declaration as required under Rule 6 of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2011. Violators will face stringent legal action under the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act.
The Department of Legal Metrology can be approached for any complaint related to violation of Legal Metrology Rules on the toll free number 1800 180 7114. LMD has also rolled out its social media handles recently which will give updates on the departmental activities and the information about Consumer rights.
