Department of Consumer Affairs, GoI, Holds Round Table Conference on Legal Matters
The recent Round Table Conference on “Ease of Doing Business and Protection of Consumer Rights” held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi marked a significant step towards enhancing India’s legal metrology framework. Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, emphasized that the decriminalization of certain sections of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, will not only facilitate business growth but also alleviate the fear of imprisonment for minor violations. The conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss the integration of technology and improved enforcement measures aimed at protecting consumer rights.
Key Highlights from the Conference
During her keynote address, Smt. Nidhi Khare underscored the importance of leveraging modern IT technologies to boost efficiency and ensure measurement accuracy. She pointed out that the Legal Metrology departments across states and Union Territories play a crucial role in guaranteeing accurate measurements for consumers. Khare also announced that India has become the 13th country to receive OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) certificates, showcasing the nation’s commitment to adhering to international standards. She urged state departments to align their enforcement rules with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, and to implement the eMaap portal within a month. Additionally, she provided a revised timeline for the implementation of the amended Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, set for January 1 and July 1 of the coming year.
Collaborative Efforts and Best Practices
Sh. Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, welcomed participants and highlighted the need for a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing and policy development. He encouraged state officers to maintain fairness and transparency in their operations. Sh. Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Department, presented key initiatives from the Legal Metrology Division, including the recent amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing effective enforcement over revenue generation to enhance consumer protection. The conference also featured a virtual presentation from the Joint Controller of Legal Metrology in Andhra Pradesh, who discussed initiatives like geo-tagging and the calibration of weighbridges to safeguard farmers.
Addressing Consumer Concerns
The conference provided a platform for various stakeholders to voice their concerns regarding consumer rights. Dr. Anant Sharma from Consumers World suggested that violations with widespread impact should be strictly enforced. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of QR codes for mandatory declarations on packaged goods, advocating for stricter rules and penalties based on company turnover. Sh. Shirish Despande raised issues related to overcharging for milk and water in Maharashtra, as well as the prevalence of dual Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) for identical products. He called for an investigation into potential consumer exploitation through inflated MRPs.
Future Directions and Participation
The conference attracted around 250 participants, including Controllers of Legal Metrology from various states and representatives from industry associations such as FICCI and ASSOCHAM. The Uttar Pradesh representative shared best practices regarding e-commerce compliance, reporting significant actions taken against violations. Dr. Ashish Agarwal from NPL presented on the Time Dissemination project, while Sh. G. Mayil Muthu Kumaran provided an overview of the eMaap portal. The event concluded with presentations from other states, including Odisha, Punjab, and Goa, showcasing their best practices in legal metrology. Overall, the Round Table Conference served as a vital forum for fostering collaboration and enhancing the legal metrology framework in India, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers.
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