New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India, convened a Round Table Workshop titled “Ease of Doing Business and Consumer Protection – Legal Metrology Act, 2009” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on September 24, 2025. The workshop addressed key reforms aimed at simplifying regulatory frameworks while ensuring robust consumer protection in trade measurement practices.
Key Proposals and Technological Advances
Participants discussed transitioning from a licensing regime to a streamlined registration process, eliminating repairer licenses, permitting manufacturers’ verification, and extending verification periods. The workshop highlighted technology-driven innovations including geo-tagging, GPS-based inspections, and automation for effective implementation of Government Approved Test Centres (GATC) Rules.
Initiatives to Enhance Trust and Compliance
Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of DoCA, emphasized balancing consumer rights with business ease through clear and fair rules. She outlined initiatives like the eMaap Portal for digital management of Legal Metrology functions, the Time Dissemination Project, and a new One-Stop Facilitation Helpdesk operating weekly. The department is also consolidating requirements and distributing E1 & E2 class weights across states, investing approximately Rs. 100 crore.
Reforms and Decriminalization Efforts
Referring to Jan Vishwas reforms, Smt. Khare elaborated on decriminalizing certain sections of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and introducing Improvement Notices to replace heavy penalties for minor violations. This approach aims to remove barriers, foster business growth, and reduce fear of imprisonment among stakeholders.
Industry and Stakeholder Contributions
Industry representatives appreciated regulatory relaxations on MRP revisions and passing GST benefits to consumers. They proposed amendments including revising verification timelines, licensing rationalization, and introducing faceless/self-verification mechanisms. Voluntary consumer organizations stressed the importance of stringent enforcement against violations affecting large consumer bases.
Collaborative Regulatory Framework
Shri Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary of DoCA, reiterated the Act’s role in safeguarding consumers and supporting fair trade without overburdening genuine businesses. Shri Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary, called for collaborative efforts to build consumer trust and promote competitive business environments.
State-Level Perspectives
Regulatory challenges and innovative ease of business initiatives were presented by states including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala. Gujarat’s state government participated virtually, enriching the inclusive dialogue.
Conclusion: Ease of Doing Business
The workshop successfully fostered a collaborative policy development framework ensuring that Legal Metrology continues to protect consumers while facilitating transparent, fair, and efficient trade practices nationwide. The reforms, digitization efforts, and stakeholder engagement will enhance business competitiveness and consumer confidence.
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Source: PIB
