JAMMU: Acting swiftly on the directions of Controller Legal Metrology Department, Rajinder Singh Tara, the teams of Legal Metrology Department carried out special surprise inspection of trade establishments dealing with hardware and building materials.

The team seized 550 bags of cement for violation of provisions of Legal Metrology laws like non-declaration of month and date of manufacture and MRP.

As part of the initiative, a team headed by Legal Metrology Officers conducted major enforcement drives and unearthed serious violations at two separate locations in Jammu and Udhampur.

During the inspection, cement bags of a prominent brand found lacking mandatory information like month and year of packaging. The team registered cases against the cement manufacturer and seized 300 cement bags at Jammu.

In another surprise inspection at Udhampur, the team conducted raid on manufacturing premises at Battal Ballian. The team found that cement bags ready for retail dispatch were without the mandatory declaration for which the company was booked under Section 18(1) of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and around 250 cement bags were seized.

As per a communique issued here in this regard, the Controller Legal Metrology reaffirmed the department's commitment to consumer protection and fair trade practices. He further highlighted that the department will continue its rigorous inspections in days to come.

The Controller urged upon the consumers to remain vigilant and report any irregularity found in pre-packaged goods. Proper labelling helps ensure transparency and provide consumers with accurate product information of pre-packaged commodities which discourages deceptive or fraudulent practices, he added.

The Legal Metrology Department advised the consumers to be vigilant while making the purchases and in case of any consumer related grievance, they can approach the department for redress of their issues.