Jammu, April 17: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Friday chaired a review meeting of the Legal Metrology Department, directing officials to strengthen enforcement to safeguard consumer interests.

During the meeting, senior officers briefed the Minister on ongoing enforcement drives, inspection mechanisms, manpower deployment, and challenges in ensuring compliance across markets.
Emphasising the department’s key role in protecting consumer rights, Sharma called for intensified and regular market inspections, stressing that enforcement must be consistent and visible to deter violations.
He laid particular focus on petrol pumps, directing officials to conduct frequent surprise checks to prevent malpractice in fuel measurement and delivery. “Even minor discrepancies directly affect consumers and must be dealt with strictly,” he said, instructing stringent action against violators.
The Minister also directed expansion of inspections to shops, retail outlets, and other commercial establishments, with strict monitoring of standard weights and measures, proper verification of equipment, and mandatory display of price lists to ensure transparency.
Highlighting the need for modernization, Sharma urged the department to adopt technology-driven monitoring systems and strengthen its field presence. He also stressed the importance of awareness campaigns to educate consumers about their rights and encourage reporting of violations.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against fraud and malpractice, the Minister directed prompt legal action against offenders and called for better coordination with district administrations and enforcement agencies for uniform implementation of laws.
Officials assured that necessary steps would be taken to enhance enforcement and transparency in market practices across the region.
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