PANAJI
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday announced that a Central Government-approved Weights and Measures Testing Centre will soon be established in Goa, following a formal request from the State government.
He was speaking at the inaugural session of the one-day National Conference of Controllers of Legal Metrology held at a city starred hotel where Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Minister for Weights and Measures Digambar Kamat, Union Additional Secretary Bharat Khera, State Secretary Sanjiv Gadkar, and other senior officials were present.
Joshi said that the Centre will provide modern equipment to Goa, which, along with the new testing facility, will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the State’s Weights and Measures Department.
He emphasised that improved transparency in departmental operations will benefit both consumers and traders.
“The Central government prioritises consumer interests while also working toward the welfare of producers and traders,” he said.
Joshi also highlighted reforms in the Weights and Measures Act, noting that earlier provisions imposed harsh penalties, including imprisonment for minor infractions. “We have relaxed these rules, but traders and manufacturers must act responsibly and uphold consumer trust,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of digital technology in modernizing the sector and reiterated that the government is committed to ensure a fair and transparent marketplace.
Through the day, officials from across India deliberated on streamlining and digitizing departmental services, including proposals for uniformity in weights and measures regulations across States, automation of license renewals, and the establishment of help desks to improve service delivery.
The conference marked a significant step toward strengthening legal metrology infrastructure and fostering collaboration between central and state agencies for consumer protection and trade facilitation.
