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The Department of Consumer Affairs held a regional review meeting on regulatory reforms under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, introduced through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
The meeting focused on the implementation of a registration-based framework, decriminalisation of minor procedural offences through an "Improvement Notice" mechanism, expansion of Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs), digitisation of Legal Metrology services through the e-Maap portal, and capacity building of Legal Metrology officers. The meeting was held on 27 May with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, along with recommendations from the High-Level Committee (HLC) and the deregulation cell of the Cabinet Secretariat on regulatory reforms. During the discussions, states were asked to ensure a shift from a "licensing" system to a trust-based registration framework, where registrations are granted automatically on submission of prescribed documents without unnecessary delays or prior inspections. The meeting also reviewed the newly introduced "Improvement Notice" mechanism, under which first-time procedural violations will receive a corrective notice before any penal action is taken. The reform aims to encourage voluntary compliance, reduce litigation and improve ease of doing business while protecting consumer interests. Another key focus area was the expansion of Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs). States were urged to expedite amendments to their rules and broaden the scope of instruments under the GATC framework to strengthen verification infrastructure and improve service delivery. The Department also clarified that under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, GATCs can operate only within their respective state or Union Territory, ensuring uniform implementation of the framework. Further, training programmes for Legal Metrology officers will be conducted through the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM), Ranchi, to strengthen technical capacity and support implementation of reforms. The Department reiterated that while procedural compliances are being simplified to support businesses, strict action against fraud and violations will continue, aiming to build a transparent, modern and balanced regulatory ecosystem that promotes both ease of doing business and consumer protection. (ANI)
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