Government Enhances Legal Metrology Verification Infrastructure

Government Strengthens India's Legal Metrology Verification Infrastructure

On Wednesday, the Department of Consumer Affairs commemorated World Metrology Day 2026, marking the 151st anniversary of the historic Metre Convention signed in Paris on May 20, 1875. The theme of this year's World Metrology Day is "Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making".

The Department of Consumer Affairs, led by Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, has strengthened India's legal metrology verification infrastructure by issuing 40 Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) certificates to eligible private entities. This move aims to ensure fairness, consumer protection, scientific reliability, and transparent governance.

In his virtual address, Joshi highlighted the vital role of metrology in ensuring accurate and reliable measurements, which form the backbone of effective public policy, trade, healthcare, environmental protection, and industrial growth. He emphasized that accurate measurements directly impact the daily lives of citizens in areas such as food, fuel, medicines, electricity, and packaged commodities.

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Key Reforms

The department has undertaken several key reforms, including the decriminalisation of minor offences under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, introduction of improvement notices for certain minor violations, and transition from a licensing regime to a registration-based system for improving ease of doing business.

Unified Digital Platform

The department has launched the e-Maap portal as a unified digital platform for registration and enforcement-related services under Legal Metrology. The portal will facilitate services such as verification of weights and measures, registrations, model approvals, and enforcement-related activities at both the Centre and state levels.

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Indian Standard Time Dissemination Initiative

The 'One Nation, One Time' initiative aims to disseminate Indian Standard Time (IST) across the country with high precision. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and ISRO.

Accurate Measurement Systems

Union Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs BL Verma highlighted the importance of accurate measurement systems in ensuring fairness, transparency, and trust in governance and trade. Verma emphasized that accurate measurements directly impact the daily lives of citizens in areas such as food, fuel, medicines, electricity, and packaged commodities.

Standards for Medical Devices

Verma highlighted the introduction of standards for non-invasive sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors) in January 2026 to improve accuracy and public safety in medical devices.

Growing Importance of Reliable Measurements

Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Union Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs, said the theme of this year's celebration reflects the growing importance of reliable and accurate measurements in evidence-based policymaking, consumer protection, and transparent governance.

Commitment to Modern Technology

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare spoke about the steady growth of Legal Metrology in India. She emphasized the need for hassle-free compliance mechanisms, system improvements, and industry-friendly regulations through voluntary compliance by business associations. Khare said the government is committed towards adopting modern technology for upgrading testing and measurement systems.

The department has notified rules for Breath Analysers, Moisture Meters, Gas Meters, and Radar Equipment for measuring the speed of vehicles.