Controller LMD conducts awareness camp on Jan Vishwas reforms in Kathua

KATHUA: Controller Legal Metrology Department J&K Shiv Kumar Gupta today conducted a tour of district Kathua, during which he chaired an awareness camp organised by the Legal Metrology Department Kathua. The camp aimed to sensitise consumers, traders and stakeholders about the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and the reforms introduced under the Jan Vishwas framework 2.0.

Among those present were Ajeet Bawa and Vikrant Verma, Presidents of the Industrial Association Kathua; Jang Bahadur, President, Beopar Mandal Kathua; Shyam Sunder, President, Chadwal Beopar Association; and representatives of various trade bodies, industrial associations, faculty members, consumers and traders. Participants were sensitised about their rights and responsibilities under the Legal Metrology Act and the Consumer Protection framework.

Addressing the gathering, the Controller stressed the need to build greater awareness among consumers and traders about the role and functioning of the Legal Metrology Department, particularly in the context of the recently introduced Jan Vishwas reforms. He highlighted the importance of consumer awareness in relation to commodities and services involving LPG, Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD) and packaged food items, and emphasised the need for transparency and fairness in trade practices.

The Controller also interacted with representatives of industrial units and trade associations, who shared inputs on the implementation of the Jan Vishwas reforms. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, came into force on May 1, 2026, with respect to amendments made to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

The Jan Vishwas reforms aim to foster trust in trade and commerce by promoting a compliance-driven and facilitative regulatory environment. Under these reforms, several offences punishable under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, have been decriminalised. Jan Vishwas 2.0 has further amended 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, including 26 provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

A significant feature of these reforms is the introduction of Improvement Notices for first-time offences under various provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. These measures are intended to promote Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living by shifting towards a trust-based regulatory mechanism.

Assistant Controller Legal Metrology Department Kathua Jaideep Singh Sambyal delivered a detailed presentation on the objectives, key provisions and practical implications of the Jan Vishwas reforms, as well as the department's role in ensuring fair trade practices and consumer protection.

The camp concluded with an interactive session during which participants raised queries and shared suggestions on the implementation of the reforms and the strengthening of consumer awareness initiatives in the district.

Among the other officers of the department present were Assistant Controller (Taximeter) Jammu Rajesh Heera, Technical Officer to the Controller J&K Mohsin Khateeb and Technical Assistant Pooja Devi.