From April to July 2024, the wing collected Rs 1.10 crore in compounding fees.
Punjab Government’s Legal Metrology Wing Records 121% Surge in Compounding Fee Collection News:
Chandigarh: The Punjab Government has registered a major success in consumer protection and regulatory enforcement, with the Legal Metrology Wing of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department reporting a sharp 121 percent rise in compounding fee collection during the first four months of the current financial year.
From April to July 2024, the wing collected Rs 1.10 crore in compounding fees, a significant increase compared to Rs 49.68 lakh during the same period last year. This remarkable growth reflects the government’s strong resolve to enforce fair trade practices and safeguard consumer rights.
Stronger Enforcement & Wider Coverage
Sharing the details, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the wing has stepped up its vigilance this year, resulting in a notable increase in inspections and legal actions. The number of inspections has almost doubled from 5,753 last year to 11,035 this year, while registered cases have surged from 587 to 1,531. Similarly, the verification of commercial establishments has also seen an uptick, rising to 42,733 from 41,625 last year.
The Minister, who reviewed the department’s functioning at Anaj Bhawan, applauded the officers and staff for their consistent efforts. He urged them to continue working with greater commitment, ensuring that every consumer in Punjab receives fair value for their money.
Modernisation and Expansion of Facilities
During the review meeting, officials informed the Minister that the wing currently operates government-owned standard laboratories at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Patiala, with proposals to establish new labs at Sirhind and Khanna. Mr. Kataruchak directed the department to submit detailed proposals for restructuring and modernisation, including the procurement of advanced equipment, to further strengthen its enforcement capacity.
Protecting Consumer Rights
Highlighting the importance of the wing’s work, the Minister said the core mission of the Legal Metrology Wing is to protect consumer interests by ensuring accuracy in weights and measures. By tightening enforcement and introducing modern tools, the Punjab Government is determined to make sure that buyers get exactly what they pay for in quantity, weight, and volume.
Senior officials, including Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg, and Controller, Legal Metrology Wing Manohar Singh, were also present during the review.
With this performance, the Punjab Government has once again reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening consumer protection, promoting transparency in trade, and building trust between sellers and buyers across the state.
(For more news apart from “Punjab Government’s Legal Metrology Wing Records 121% Surge in Compounding Fee Collection,” stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
