DCA Reviews Implementation of Legal Metrology Reforms in Northern States & UTs

• Kashish Kumar
• 01 Jun 2026
• 91 Views

As part of a series of regional assessments being conducted across India, a meeting was held for reviewing the implementation of Legal Metrology Reforms in Northern States, i.e., Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Ladakh. The review meeting aimed to facilitate implementation of Jan Vishwas Amendment of Provisions Act 2026 as well as the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on regulatory reforms. 

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. This meeting follows similar consultations held with Southern States a while ago and is part of the Department's ongoing engagement with States and Union Territories to ensure the smooth, uniform and effective implementation of recent reforms introduced under the Legal Metrology Act 2009. 

During the meeting, senior officers from the Department interacted with Controllers and Legal Metrology officers from the participating States and Union Territories. They reviewed the progress of key reforms aimed at reducing compliance burdens, improving the Ease of Doing Business and creating a more trust-based regulatory framework while safeguarding consumer interests. 

Automatic Registration Upon Submission of Documents

The discussions at the review meeting majorly revolved around the replacement of the prevailing licensing system with a registration-based system for manufacturers, dealers and repairers of weights and measures. States were informed that the goal of the reform is not just to change the term "license" to "registration" but to fundamentally simplify the regulatory procedure. 

Registrations will be automatically granted upon submission of the required documents. This will reduce delays and make it much easier for businesses to operate within the legal framework. 

Review of Improvement Notice Mechanism

At the review meeting, the implementation of the newly introduced Improvement Notice Mechanism under the Jan Vishwas reforms was also reviewed by the Department of Consumer Affairs. 

The provision intends to promote voluntary compliance by allowing individuals or businesses to correct first-time procedural violations before penalties are imposed. It is anticipated that the reform would reduce unnecessary litigation and promote a regulatory environment that prioritizes compliance. 

Verification and Stamping of Weights & Measures

Another key topic of discussion was the weights and measures’ verification as well as stamping. States were informed about the expansion of Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) framework and the increasing importance of self-verification and third-party verification mechanisms. 

The Consumer Affairs Department urged States and Union Territories to promptly notify their GATC Rules and include more categories of weighing and measuring instruments within GATC framework. This expansion intends to improve the availability of verification services as well as reduce turnaround time for businesses.

Digitization Initiatives

The meeting also reviewed progress on digitization initiatives like e-Maap portal, the capacity building of Legal Metrology officers and measures to strengthen verification infrastructure at a nationwide level. At the meeting, the States shared updates regarding amendments to their Enforcement Rules as well as the steps being taken to align their regulatory frameworks with recent reforms. 

Consumer Protection & Ease of Doing Business

The Department emphasized that while it is simplifying procedural compliance and making regulatory processes more industry friendly, it will not compromise on consumer protection. Strict action will be taken in case of fraud, tampering and intentional violations that affect consumers under the Legal Metrology framework.

The ongoing regional consultations demonstrate Government's commitment when it comes to collaborating with States and Union Territories to create a modern, transparent and efficient Legal Metrology system. This system aims to promote ease of doing business, encourage voluntary compliance and enhance consumer confidence throughout India. 

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)