Delhi government will set up seven laboratories in east Delhi to test, verify and calibrate the working and reference standards of different types of balances, weights and measuring equipments used in shops or establishments for dispensing goods to the consumers.
The laboratories will have latest equipments for verification and testing the accuracy of working standards and reference standards according to norms prescribed under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
"These calibrated working standards will be used by the department in its various offices for testing of different types of balances, weights and measuring equipments which are then used in various shops or establishments for dispensing goods to the consumers," said Commissioner of Food and Supplies, S S Yadav.
"Setting up of these seven laboratories will ultimately benefit the consumers by making available sufficient number of laboratories. It will reduce the time taken and improve convenience to the citizens who come to various offices for certification of weights and measures," Yadav said.
As per the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, every measuring instrument is to be verified at least once in a year and adjustments be made to the specified limit or prescribed sensitivity.
Use of non verified weights and measures is illegal as per the Act and violators may be fined and also imprisoned.
Yadav informed that setting up of these seven laboratories will cost Rs 10 crore and the project would be completed in two years.
The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has been engaged as the executing agency for the work.
The project cost would be shared by Delhi government and Central government under the Plan Scheme -- "Strengthening of Legal Metrology Departments".
Besides, the department would also set up a taxi meter testing laboratory to test the pulse reading shown on the meter with the help of pulse generating machine available in the laboratory to ensure its accuracy.
Presently, there is only one laboratory and the people of east and north-east Delhi face difficulties in approaching it because of its location at a distance place. New laboratory will help the people of these areas by having the facilities at their door step, Yadav said.
