Consumer Affairs Ministry Urges Swift Reforms on Legal Metrology Across North India

The Consumer Affairs Ministry has conducted a review of legal metrology reforms in eight northern states and union territories. Authorities pressed for a quicker adoption of an automated, registration-based system for businesses dealing in weights and measures.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare chaired the meeting, which included officials from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Ladakh. This review forms part of a broader series of regional consultations aimed at nationwide improvements.

Key discussions focused on the implementation of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, as well as suggestions from a high-level committee dedicated to regulatory reforms. A significant proposal involved replacing the current licensing regime with a registration system intended to simplify processes.

To support compliance, the ministry has introduced an ''Improvement Notice'' mechanism, offering businesses the opportunity to rectify first-time procedural faults without immediate penalties, fostering voluntary compliance. Testing infrastructure enhancements were also emphasized to expedite business operations.

The ministry reaffirmed that while procedures are being simplified, consumer protection remains a priority, ensuring that any fraudulent activities or intentional breaches will be met with stringent enforcement action.

(With inputs from agencies.)