The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) hosted a Round Table Workshop at Vigyan Bhawan to discuss comprehensive reforms aimed at balancing “Ease of Doing Business and Consumer Protection” under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. The workshop established a framework for collaborative policy development, focusing on strengthening consumer trust while streamlining trade practices across India.
Jan Vishwas Reforms and Decriminalization
A central theme of the workshop was the ongoing effort to decriminalize minor offenses within the Legal Metrology Act, as part of the broader Jan Vishwas reforms (1.0 and 2.0).
The Secretary, DoCA, highlighted that this reform will foster business growth by eliminating barriers and ensuring that citizens and businesses can operate without fear of imprisonment for minor violations. She confirmed that decriminalized sections and the proposal to introduce Improvement Notices in the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, will be instrumental in promoting a fair business environment.
The Additional Secretary, DoCA, noted that seven provisions were decriminalized in 2023, replacing imprisonment with penalties. The proposed improvement notices, introduced in 2025, are set to further build trust and promote a fair business environment.
Digitization and Modernization Initiatives
The workshop showcased several initiatives by DoCA aimed at digitizing and modernizing the legal metrology framework:
- eMaap Portal: This portal is being developed to unify all functions of Legal Metrology, including enforcement, creating a unified database, ensuring transparency, and simplifying compliance for both traders and officials.
- Technology-Driven Verification: Discussions centered on replacing the existing rigid licensing regime with simplified registration. Key proposals included:
- Removing the need for a repairer license.
- Allowing verification by manufacturers.
- Extending the verification period for weights and measures.
- Adopting geo-tagging, GPS-based inspections, and technology-driven verification for the effective implementation of Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) rules.
- Physical Assistance: Smt. Khare informed that the Department has introduced a One-Stop Facilitation Helpdesk, “Jan Sunwai,” for Legal Metrology queries, operational every Tuesday from 16:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs.
- Infrastructure Strengthening: The Department is providing E1 and E2 class weights, costing approximately Rs. 100 crore, to states to consolidate and standardize measurement requirements.
Stakeholder Feedback and Future Direction
The workshop successfully brought together approximately 200 participants, including Controllers of Legal Metrology from 18 states and representatives from various industry and consumer organizations such as FICCI, CII, and ASSOCHAM.
Industry associations appreciated the recent advisory that allowed flexibility for businesses to revise Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) on unsold stock following GST rate changes. They provided suggestions for further reforms, including:
- Revision of verification timelines for instruments.
- Rationalization of licensing for manufacturers, dealers, and repairers.
- Introduction of faceless and self-verification mechanisms.
In contrast, Voluntary Consumer Organizations (VCOs) stressed the need for strict enforcement of violations that impact consumers on a large scale.
The Joint Secretary, DoCA, concluded the workshop by emphasizing that a collaborative approach, relying on digitization, risk-based regulation, and stakeholder partnership, is essential to strengthening both consumer trust and business competitiveness.