Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister **Sushanta Chowdhury** on Friday highlighted the indispensable role of accurate measurement in protecting consumer rights and maintaining product quality. Speaking at a discussion titled **“Laws of Legal Metrology”**, organized by the Legal Metrology wing of the department at a private hotel in Agartala, the minister stressed that both consumers and traders must uphold integrity and awareness to ensure the state’s holistic development.
Chowdhury emphasized that accurate measurement is not merely a technical requirement but a fundamental pillar of **fair trade, transparency, and quality control**. Legal metrology, he explained, ensures that weighing and measuring devices used in commercial transactions adhere to standardized norms, thereby preventing fraud and safeguarding consumers from potential malpractice. “As consumers, it is vital for all of us to remain conscious about the importance of accurate weight and measurement in daily life,” he said.
The minister further noted that strengthening consumer awareness and promoting ethical business practices are crucial for building trust in the marketplace. He added that an informed consumer base encourages better compliance and creates a more accountable trading environment.
The event also provided insights into the latest amendments to measurement laws and upcoming initiatives of the Government of India in the field of legal metrology. Officials highlighted reforms aimed at improving transparency, modernizing equipment, and ensuring stricter enforcement of standards.
The discussion saw participation from several key dignitaries, including **Department Secretary Debapriya Bardhan**, **Ashutosh Agarwal**, Director of the Central Government’s Department of Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology, and **Dr. Rajeshwar Kumar**, Director of the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology. Sub-divisional magistrates, representatives of the Petroleum Dealers’ Association, senior officials of TNGCL, and members of various trade and business bodies were also present.
The program was conducted smoothly under the leadership of **Sumit Lodh**, Director of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, ensuring a productive and insightful session for all attendees.
