JK News Today
Jammu, Oct. 15: The Department of Legal Metrology, Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the School of Law, University of Kashmir, organized a Mega Awareness Programme on Legal Metrology, GST Revision and Consumer Protection today at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir. The event was chaired by Commissioner Secretary to Government, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Mr. Saurabh Bhagat (IAS). The programme aimed at enhancing public understanding of legal metrology norms, disseminate knowledge on GST reforms, promote compliance among traders, and empower consumers to seek redressal through proper legal channels.
The programme commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the welcome address which was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Shahnaz, Head/Dean of School of Law, University of Kashmir. The introductory speech was delivered by Mr. Rajinder Singh Tara (JKAS), Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K, who highlighted the department’s pivotal role in ensuring accuracy and uniformity in weights and measures. The role of the Legal Metrology in recent GST reforms was also highlighted in the introductory speech.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Saurabh Bhagat (IAS), Commissioner Secretary to Government, Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, J&K, while addressing the gathering emphasised the importance of various consumer redressal platforms in protecting the consumer interest. In addition to elaborating the consumer justice delivery mechanism by Consumer Commissions, the recent initiatives like delegation of powers to Legal Metrology Officers to lodge complaints in Consumer Commissions and the enforcement drives conducted in the field of GST reforms were detailed out by the chief guest. It was apprised that department of Legal Metrology is ensuring the passing of revising GST benefits post 22nd September 2025 to Consumers and strict
action in terms of the provisions of Legal Metrology Act, 2009 is being taken against all the erring traders found violating the guidelines regarding new GST rates.
Mr. Bhagat assured full departmental support for future collaborative initiatives including joint programmes, student internships, financial awards, and other encouraging measures for law students. He emphasized the need for sustained engagement through a series of awareness events in the future. The Chairperson also underscored the importance of initiatives like paid internship opportunities for law students in Consumer Courts and the institution of a Shield of Merit for the top-performing student in Consumer Affairs which are under consideration.
Addressing the occasion, Mr. Owais Ahmad (IAS), Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Kashmir also emphasized the protection of consumer rights against unfair trade practices and highlighted the importance of responsible consumer participation in ensuring effective enforcement of consumer laws.
The interactive session was also held at the event which was participated by the panel of experts from Legal Metrology and Consumer Commissions. The session was highly interactive in which the students actively engaged in question-answer segment on contemporary issued in consumer protection.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Tanveer Ahmad, Joint Controller, Legal Metrology, Kashmir, who acknowledged the valuable contributions of all dignitaries, faculty members, students, and participants for making the programme a grand success.
