Zulfkar reviews functioning of LMD, for strict enforcement of Laws, Acts to contain profiteering

Rs 54 lakh realized as penalty from 3910 erring traders in Jammu division

JAMMU, MAY 17: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Choudhary Zulfkar Ali today enjoined upon the officers of Legal Metrology Department (LMD) for ensuring strict enforcement of various laws and Acts of the department aimed at protection of consumer rights.

The Minister, while reviewing the functioning of LMD, took a detailed district-wise review of physical and financial achievements recorded by the department in Jammu province during the financial year 2016-17.

During the meeting, the Minister was apprised of revenue realization scenario and number of inspections carried out by the department in safeguarding the interests of the consumers against malpractices adopted by unscrupulous traders.

The Minister was informed that the department has conducted 21293 inspections and booked 3910 erring traders in Jammu division under prevailing laws and rules with realization of Rs. 54 lakh as penalty. Besides, 163 awareness cum re-verification camps have been organized in various districts. On account of standardization, revenue to the tune of Rs. 1.27 crore has been collected against last financial year’s figure of Rs. 1.15 crore thus registering an increase of about 9.5 %.

The Minister stressed upon the officers to redouble their efforts for further improving the functioning of the department so that consumers would be provided quality services.

The Minister asked the concerned officers to organize camps from July 1^st to 7^th in each district for creating awareness among the consumers regarding their rights and responsibilities as well.

Meanwhile, the Minster reviewed the functioning of the grievances cell of the department and was informed that a number of grievances have been received and redressed accordingly.

While reviewing delivery mechanism of LPG in all districts, Zulfkar asked officers to ensure 100 percent home delivery of LPG in urban and rural areas of Jammu province. He also directed to create awareness through print and electronic media about gold testing machine (karatmeter) which was recently installed at Legal Metrology Department Narwal for convenience of the general masses.

He directed the officers to check the weights and measures used in commercial and industrial establishments to save the consumers from any fraud in this regard. He also called for surprise inspection of petrol pumps, brick kiln and solvent units to detect any violation of the provisions of the Legal Metrology Laws.

Zulfkar also directed the officers to visit the markets in their respective areas and submit periodic reports. They were also asked to ensure that the norms of Packaged Commodity Rules are strictly being followed by the shop-keepers/manufacturers/dealers, apart from ensuring that only stamped electronic/manual/weighing instruments are being used by them.

While appreciating the efforts of the department, the Minister asked the officers to improve consumer confidence in the system and create deterrence in the minds of the manufactures who indulge in unfair practices or pushing sub-standard products into the market.

Zulfkar asked the concerned for taking strict action against those schools which are indulging in commercial activities by way of selling books, uniforms within the school premises or through selected vendors. He also directed for conducting orientation programme for officers of LMD.

Later, the Minister also took stock of progress on construction work of various departmental buildings being raised in different districts and directed to expedite the work for timely completion.

 Among others, Joint Controller LMD V.S. Sambyal, Deputy Controller LMD Manoj Prabhakar, Assistant Controllers and Inspectors of LMD from various parts of Jammu division attended the meeting.