Even as a variety of products continue to flood the market for Onam, dearth of staff and proper infrastructure has hit the proper functioning of the Legal Metrology Department across the state.
More hands and infrastructure are required to check whether the Packaged Commodities Rules are adhered to. Squads have been formed to verify anomalies in measurement, MRP, and mandatory declarations on any packed item, but it is difficult to reach every category, ranging from food to jewellery.
Even autorickshaw fare meters have to be checked. Besides, absence of adequate vehicles in few districts slows down enforcement, said sources.
The posts of inspectors, nine district assistant controllers and two deputy controllers are yet to be filled. The promotion of staff at different rungs is also pending, said sources.
Seven recently appointed inspectors are yet to get their posting order. “Because of which their services cannot be utilised,” said some officials. The promotion of nine senior inspectors as assistant controllers, is also due. Moreover an assistant controller, who has been given the charge of deputy controller, is taking care of three regions.
The north and central regions do not have deputy controllers. The Department Promotion Committee has published a list regarding this, but nothing further has been done.
The delay in promotion is discouraging too, said sources.
When asked, the controller said that the select list is yet to be published in the gazette.
“Among the seven staff members who are yet to get the order, four have been sent for compulsory four-month training to Indian Institute of Legal Metrology in Ranchi, while the rest have been given other duties. They will be posted soon,” he said.
Consumer affairs secretary Pradeep Kumar said that the staff should ensure that laws are enforced effectively.
“The select list has been published, it is up to the controller to fill the vacancies,” he said.
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