J&K Legal Metrology Review Boosts South Kashmir Infrastructure and Amarnath Yatra Consumer Protection

ANANTNAG, JUNE 03 — Legal Metrology Department Controller Shiv Kumar Gupta inspected the under-construction Working Standard Laboratories in Anantnag and Pulwama today to review project progress. Accompanied by Kashmir Division assistant controllers along with Roads and Buildings Department officers and engineers, Gupta conducted a detailed assessment of the ongoing construction.

The Jammu and Kashmir government is establishing these facilities to strengthen regulatory infrastructure. Gupta directed the executing agencies and officers to accelerate the pace of work to ensure completion within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining strict quality standards. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and consumer protection, assuring that adequate funds will be available, while the executing agencies promised timely completion.

The Controller noted that these modern laboratories will significantly enhance the testing, verification, and enforcement capabilities of the department. The facilities aim to provide efficient regulatory services directly to traders, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and consumers across South Kashmir, fostering transparency and fairness in trade practices.

Following the infrastructure review, Gupta met with representatives from the Bakery Association Anantnag and Petrol Pump Association Anantnag to discuss the implementation of Jan Vishwas 2.0. He explained that these reforms have modified the enforcement framework of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, notably introducing Improvement Notices for specific first-time offences.

These measures intend to promote ease of doing business, lower compliance burdens, and build a trust-based regulatory environment while maintaining consumer protection.Addressing the upcoming Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, the Controller announced that the department has intensified market surveillance across the Anantnag district, which serves as a major trade route for the pilgrimage.

He issued strict instructions to field officers to prevent overcharging, short-weighment, the sale of substandard products, and other unfair trade practices targeting pilgrims. Highlighting the departmental focus on safeguarding consumer interests, Gupta mandated continuous market inspections throughout the Yatra period to ensure pilgrims have access to correctly weighed and fairly priced commodities and services.