KATHUA, Jun 9: Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K, Shiv Kumar Gupta, conducted an extensive tour of District Kathua today. During the visit, he chaired an awareness camp organised by the Legal Metrology Department, Kathua, aimed at sensitising consumers, traders, and stakeholders about the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and the recent reforms introduced under the Jan Vishwas framework 2.0.
The awareness camp was attended by Ajeet Bawa and Vikrant Verma, Presidents of the Industrial Association, Kathua; Jang Bahadur, President, Beopar Mandal, Kathua; and Shyam Sunder, President, Chadwal Beopar Association, besides representatives of various trade bodies, industrial associations, faculty members, consumers, and traders. During the programme, participants were sensitised about their rights and responsibilities under the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and the Consumer Protection framework.
Addressing the gathering, the Controller stressed the need to create greater awareness among consumers and traders regarding the role and functioning of the Legal Metrology Department, particularly in the backdrop of the recently introduced Jan Vishwas reforms.
He highlighted the importance of consumer awareness in relation to commodities and services involving LPG, Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), and packaged food items, emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in trade practices.
The Controller also interacted with representatives of various industrial units and trade associations, who shared valuable inputs regarding the implementation of the recently launched Jan Vishwas reforms. Pertinently, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, came into force on May 1, 2026, with respect to amendments made to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
The Jan Vishwas reforms are aimed at fostering trust in trade and commerce by promoting a compliance-driven and facilitative regulatory environment. Under these reforms, several offences, including certain offences punishable under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, have been decriminalised. Further, Jan Vishwas 2.0 has amended 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, including 26 provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
A significant feature of these reforms is the introduction of the concept of Improvement Notices for first-time offences under various provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
These measures are intended to promote Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living by shifting towards a trust-based regulatory mechanism.
On the occasion, Jaideep Singh Sambyal, Assistant Controller, Legal Metrology Department, Kathua, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the objectives, key provisions, and practical implications of the Jan Vishwas reforms, as well as the role of the Department in ensuring fair trade practices and consumer protection.
The awareness camp concluded with an interactive session during which participants raised queries and shared suggestions regarding the implementation of the reforms and the strengthening of consumer awareness initiatives in the district.
Among the officers of the Department present on the occasion were Rajesh Heera, Assistant Controller (Taximeter), Jammu, Mohsin Khateeb, Technical Officer to the Controller J&K and Pooja Devi, Technical Assistant.