The particulars of its organization, functions & duties

About Legal Metrology Department

Metrology is the Science of Measurement. Department of Legal Metrology (Formerly known as Department of Weights and Measures) is empowered to certify the accuracy of weights, measures, weighing and measuring instruments used for transaction and protection to safeguard the interest of consumers. This is done by enforcement of various provisions of Legal Metrology Act 2009 and Rules made thereunder, including Packaged Commodities Rules.

Aim of the Department

  • Maintenance of accuracy in all weights and measures used in Trade, Commerce, and protection
  • Protection of Consumer Interest in daily transactions.
  • To ensure correct quantities for the prices paid.

Major Functions of the Department

  • Original / Re-verification of weights and measures used in transactions or protection
  • Inspection of trade premises for enforcement of statutes.
  • Issue of various licenses such as Manufacturer, Repairer, Dealer of weights and measures
  • Issue of Packer/Importer Registration Certificates
  • Ensuring the purity of gold on request and for detecting violations.
  • Follow-up of offences detected, including prosecution of offenders wherever needed.
  • Regulation of the sale of packaged commodities

Duties & Functions Of Officers

CONTROLLER

The State Government by notification appoints a Controller of Legal Metrology. The qualification of the Controller shall be such as prescribed by the Rule.

The Controller shall exercise the powers of functions as specified in section 14 of Act 2009. The Controller shall also exercise the powers delegated by the Director of Legal Metrology. He/she shall:

  • Exercise the powers of Director delegated to him under subsection (7) of section 13 of the Act, subject to subsection (8) of the said section.
  • Implement the provisions of the Act and Rules in the State.
  • Grant licenses to manufacturers, repairers, and dealers of weight or measure.
    • (i) Suspension and cancellation of licenses.
  • Hear appeals filed under section 50 and decide the same in the manner as provided in subsection (3) of section 50 or send back the case with such directions as he may think fit.
  • Provide working of secondary standard weights, measures, balances, and such other equipment to every Legal Metrology Officer as per Enforcement Rules 2012, Government of Kerala.
  • The Controller may compound offenses and delegate the powers of compounding to the subordinate officers under the Act & Rules.
  • Delegate his powers except for the power of hearing of appeal under Section 50(d) to any Legal Metrology Officer.
  • Annual Confidential Report of Additional Controller, Administrative Officer, and Law Officer.
  • Exercise the Powers & Duties as directed by the State Government from time to time.

ADDITIONAL CONTROLLER

  • Exercise the powers conferred on him by the Act and delegated the powers of Controller of Legal Metrology under subsection 7 of section 13 of the Act, subject to subsection 8 of said section of the Act within his local limit.
  • Assist the Controller in all matters of administration and supervision.
  • Supervise the work of all Legal Metrology Officers within the State and give directions to them from time to time.
  • Assist the Controller in appeals filed under Section 50 of the Act 2009 if needed.
  • Supervise and control the staff members of Headquarters.
  • Seek orders from the Controller in the matter of inspection of field officers and carry out inspections as per the directives of the Controller.
  • Periodical review of the work of Deputy Controllers.
  • Annual Inspection of Joint Controller Office and Deputy Controller Office.
  • Make arrangements to conduct training programs for all officers of the Department.
  • Reporting Officer of the Annual Confidential Report of Joint Controllers.

JOINT CONTROLLER (REGION WISE)

  • Exercise the powers conferred on him by the Act subject to the limitations as provided in subsection 3 of section 14 and delegated powers of the Controller under subsection (7) of section 13 of the Act, subject to subsection (8) of said section of the Act, within his local limit.
  • Registration of packers.
  • Approval of the Annual Verification Programme of Deputy Controllers/Legal Metrology Officers.
  • Carry out office inspections of subordinate offices within his local limit.
  • Compounding of offenses under the Act and Rules as authorized by the Controller.
  • Organize Consumer Awareness Programs at the regional level.
  • Periodical review of the work of Deputy Controllers & Inspectors.
  • Annual inspection of Inspector offices under the jurisdiction.
  • Liaison Officer for monitoring of land acquisition for departmental purposes.

In addition to the above duties, the Joint Controller, Ernakulam shall perform the following duties also:

  • Control the functions of the Gold Purity Testing Lab and NABL accreditation-related matters.

DEPUTY CONTROLLER (HEAD QUARTERS)

  • He shall assist the Controller and Additional Controller in matters related to officer establishment and appeals filed under Section 50 of the Act.
  • Assist the Controller with complaint redressal.
  • Assist superiors in conducting office inspections of Legal Metrology Officers.
  • Consolidate monthly reports of the state.
  • Prepare programs for conducting various campaigns with the approval of the Additional Controller and Controller.
  • Perform duty as the State Public Information Officer in the office of the Controller.
  • Assist superiors in providing seal dies and punches to Legal Metrology Officers.
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller/Additional Controller/Joint Controller.

DEPUTYCONTROLLER (CENTRAL LAB) / DEPUTYCONTROLLER (GENERAL)

  • Custodian of Secondary Standards in the State.
  • Maintaining the Secondary Standard Laboratory.
  • Verification and certification of working standards and check measures of Legal Metrology Officers.
  • Calibration and certification of instruments used by industrial and other organizations.
  • Periodical verification and certification of Secondary Standards with RRSL/NPL.
  • Conduct proper training on the maintenance of working standards.
  • Conduct frequent inspections in the working standard laboratories of Legal Metrology Officers.
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller/Additional Controller/Joint Controller.

DEPUTY CONTROLLER (GENERAL)

  • The Deputy Controller (General) shall exercise the powers conferred on him by the Act or Rules and the powers delegated by the Controller.
  • Supervise the work of inspectors in his jurisdiction.
  • Supervise the work of verification and stamping of Legal Metrology Officers in his jurisdiction.
  • Conduct surprise inspections at Legal Metrology Officers’ offices within his jurisdiction as well as verification camps.
  • Arrange special inspections and forward them to the concerned Joint Controller.
  • Conduct monthly reviews of the work of inspectors and forward them to the concerned Joint Controller.
  • Organize classes and consumer awareness programs for the public, NGOs, and Residents’ Associations.
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller/Additional Controller/Joint Controller.

DEPUTYCONTROLLER (FLYING SQUAD)

  • Conduct surprise inspections at trade/transaction premises.
  • Exercise the powers conferred on him by the Act/Rules and the powers delegated by the Controller within his local limit.
  • Carry out inspections of premises on complaints or otherwise in the manner and for the purposes provided in the relevant sections of the Act.
  • Receive applications along with prescribed fees for granting licenses to Manufacturers/Dealers/Retailers of Weights and Measures, verify documents, and forward the same to the Controller through the proper channel.
  • Arrange special inspections and forward them to the concerned Joint Controller.
  • Renew Manufacturer/Dealer/Retailer licenses, allocate licenses on receipt of prescribed fees, and renew licenses for Manufacturers/Dealers/Retailers of Weights & Measures.
  • Receive applications along with necessary documents and prescribed fees for granting certificates of registration as a packer/manufacturer/importer. Process certificates and forward them to the Controller through the proper channel.
  • Carry out inspections at the premises of Manufacturers/Dealers/Retailers.
  • Carry out calibration and verification work as assigned by the Controller from time to time.
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller/Additional Controller/Joint Controller.

DEPUTYCONTROLLER (NET CONTENT)

  • Enforce discipline in the field of manufacturing and packaged commodities concerning net quantity.
  • Conduct inspections at manufacturing and packing premises to check or detect violations concerning net quantity verification under PC Rules.
  • Launch and conduct prosecution proceedings against offenders committing net quantity violations under the Legal Metrology Act 2009.
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller/Additional Controller/Joint Controller.

LIAISON OFFICER

  • Conduct cases before the Hon. High Court in matters where the department or the Government is involved as a party.
  • Instruct the Advocate General on Government pleaders to ensure the successful conduct of cases.
  • Produce case law, precedents, documents, models, etc., before the High Court to ensure that the Hon. Court is aware of the department’s or Government’s position.
  • Assist the Government pleader and prosecutions by providing legal guidance to ensure successful prosecutions.
  • Prepare complaints and affidavits in prosecution cases to ensure that offenders are convicted by the court of law.

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER (GENERAL)

  • The office of the Assistant Controller (General) is usually situated at Headquarters.
  • Exercises the powers conferred on him by the Act, subject to the limitations provided in subsection 3 of section 14, and delegated powers of the Controller under subsection (7) of section 13 of the Act, subject to subsection (8) within his local limit.
  • Receives and deposits verification fees as provided in Kerala Legal Metrology Enforcement Rules 2011, or any other system provided by the Department for the same.
  • Searches and inspects premises within his local limit for implementing various provisions of The Legal Metrology Act and Rules as and when required.
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller/Additional Controller/Joint Controller.
  • Carries out the verification and stamping of weights and measures within the local jurisdiction. Advance intimation regarding the verification should be given to the respective authority.
  • Launches and conducts effective prosecution proceedings against offenders committing violations under the Legal Metrology Act & Rules, in cases that are not compounded departmentally.
  • Deals with seized goods strictly in the manner provided in the respective Rules (Rule 22 of Legal Metrology General Rule 2011).
  • Submits various reports regularly to higher authorities.
  • Carries out adjustments of weights or measures if required and authorized.
  • Discharges any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller, Additional Controller, Joint Controller, Deputy Controller.

 
ASSISTANT CONTROLLER (AUTORICKSHAW)

  • Verification and stamping of taxi meters.
  • To Conduct frequent surprise inspections to detect violations and take legal action against offenders in accordance with the Act and Rules.
  • Proceeds with cases against offenders in court.
  • Performs all general and official duties prescribed as responsibilities of an Inspector/Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED/COLLECTED BEFORE FITTING A TAXI METER IN AN AUTORICKSHAW:

  • The original purchase bill of the taxi meter.
  • Copies of the original verification certificate of the taxi meter, signed by the dealer.
  • Attested copies of the registration certificate and permit (attested by a gazetted officer).
  • Copy of the driving license/ID proof of the driver who presents the vehicle for testing (along with a mobile number if necessary).
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by the Controller/Additional Controller/Joint Controller.

To collect all these documents, then verify the number of the Taxi Meter in the bill and in the certificate are same or not, and the purchase bill is properly filled and also check the Model and Serial Number of Taxi Meter entered in the Registration Certificate/Permit are match with the entries of the bill and the Original Verification Certificate

Besides these to ensure the seal and stamp which are put at the Original Verification time is intact not removed, not tampered.

After that, the person who is in charge of giving date for Taxi Meter verification, give suitable date.

At the time of reverification :-

. A thorough check made about the present condition of the seal and stamp previously put at the time last stamping, whether it is in good condition, and ensure that the seal is intact and not damaged or tampered
. Collect the original certificate issued at the time of last stamping.
. If the owner changed, it should be recorded in the RC Book and attested by the authority
. Copies of the Driving licence/ID Card of the driver of the Auto rickshaw presented for testing.

When the Tariff Changed :-

Check all the points previously mentioned, and duly filled and signed.

The seal is to be broken either by the Legal Metrology Officer or authorized person in charge of the Legal Metrology Officer.

These Taxi Meter are verified and stamped with in the specified time prescribed in the Rule.

All the Taxi Meters are tested and checked for the accuracy in accordance with the Test Methods prescribed in the General Rules, and it is come under with in the tolerance prescribed, it is stamped and sealed as per the provisions of the Act and Rules.

After these, before issuing the certificate to the concerned party, put two types of declaration by using rubber seal and it is put up on the face side of the certificate.

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER (VEHICLE TANK)

  • Calibration of vehicle tanks for petroleum products and other liquids comes under the 9th schedule, part I of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules 2011. A vehicle tank is an assembly used for measurement and delivery of liquids, comprising a tank that may or may not be subdivided into compartments, mounted upon a vehicle together with its necessary piping, valves, meters, etc.
  • Every vehicle tank should be calibrated once in a year by the Legal Metrology Officer Before starting the calibration of the vehicle tank the user shall remit the stamping fee and user fee as prescribed in the Rule. Before doing the calibration the following details shall be recorded. Viz. registration number vehicle, name of manufacturer, product to be carried, model chassis number, engine number, permit number permitted load, explosive license number, tank length tank breadth tank height, number of spring leaf front, number of spring leaf middle, number of spring leaf rear, tire size etc. Before starting the calibration the vehicle tank should be inspected thoroughly through the manhole to ensure that the inside of the compartments are in compliance with the approved drawing. Firstly, bring the vehicle tank into the horizontal calibration bay ensuring that all spirit level are in same height. Also ensure that the tyre pressures are same. Each compartment will be filled with water using prover measures having the capacity 2000, 1000, 500 and 250 litres with respect to the capacity of the vehicle Tank. The prover is made of stainless steel and density of water for using the calibration is 1 gram/cc. The filling process is very accurate and precise. After filling the water in the compartment, oil level and proof level of each compartment of the vehicle tank is taken, using the dip rod by pasting water paste in it. After Calibration the man holes are closed using nuts and bolts and then sealing is performed by lead and twisted wire. The emblem is punched on the lead by using plier.
  • Normally the dip rod is square and hexagonal in cross section and markings on each face of the dip rod represents each compartments. The compartments of vehicle tanks are distinguished by giving numbers as 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Engine number, chaises number and vehicle registration number etc are also scribed on the dip rod after calibration. The emblem of the inspector is also punched on the dip rod. The prover measures in the calibration bay are calibrated once in every three months using the check measure having the capacity of 20 liters, which is calibrated by the working standard capacity measures.
  • The existing fee for calibration is Rs. 75 for 100 liters and thereafter Rs. 10 for every multiples of 100 liters. The user fee is Rs.5 for each 100 liters.Acertificate in this regard is issued in a prescribed form having the validity of one year.

 
INSPECTOR

  • Exercise the Powers conferred on him by the Act subject to the limitation as provided in sub section 3 of the Sec.14 and delegated powers of Controller under Sub Sec.7 of Sec. 13 of the Act subject to the sub.sec.8 of the Act within his local jurisdiction.
  • Receive and deposit verification fees as provided in the rules.
  • Carry out the work of verification and stamping of Weight or Measure within his jurisdiction as per the approved programme of controller.
  • Search and inspect the premises within his local limit for implementing various provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Rules made there under as and when required.
  • Book offences and take appropriate action as per the provisions of the Act and Rules.
  • Issue compounding/show cause notice to the accused, received the amount of the compounding fee as per the section of Act/Rule, and get ratification or the concerned higher officer.
  • File the case in the Court of Law within the period of limitation if the offence is not compoundable or if the offence is compoundable for the accused did not agree to compound.
  • Work as in charge of Working Standard Laboratories.
  • Deal with seized goods strictly in the manner as provided in the respective rules.
  • Inspect every licensees premises in his jurisdiction periodically.
  • Submit various reports regularly to the higher authority.
  • Adjust Weight or Measure if needed.
  • Keep Departmental stamps, Dies and Pliers in his safe custody.
  • Any other duties and functions assigned by Controller, Additional Controller, Joint Controller, Deputy Controller or Assistant Controller.
  • Maintenance of office Cash Book

INSPECTOR (FLYING SQUAD)

  • Exercise the Powers conferred on him by the Act subject to the limitation as provided in sub section 3 of the Sec.14 and delegated powers of Controller under Sub Sec.7 of Sec. 13 of the Act subject to the sub.sec.8 of the Act within his local jurisdiction.
  • Carry out the work of verification and stamping of Weight or Measure within his jurisdiction as per the approved programme of controller.
  • Search and inspect the premises within his local limit for implementing various provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Rules made there under as and when required.
  • Book offences and take appropriate action as per the provisions of the Act and Rules.
  • Issue compounding/show cause notice to the accused, received the amount of the compounding fee as per the section of Act/Rule, and get ratification or the concerned higher officer.
  • File the case in the Court of Law within the period of limitation if the offence is not compoundable or if the offence is compoundable for the accused did not agree to compound.
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by higher officer.

 
ASSAY MASTER

  • Custodian of all equipments and materials in the laboratory including bullion samples received in the lab for testing.
  • Ensuring periodical calibration of all instruments used in the lab.
  • Sampling of items for testing.
  • Samples for XRF.
  • Samples for cupellation.
  • Initial weighment of Assay samples and coding of assay samples. (Before cupellation).
  • Final weighment of gold.
  • Preparation of Assay Reports.
  • Overall supervision of entire lab activities.
  • Up keeping and maintenance of laboratory.
  • Such other duties as assigned by the Controller, Legal Metrology

JUNIOR ASSAY MASTER

·

  • Custody and maintenance of laboratory records.·
  • Maintenance of stocks·
  • Cupellation of samples (Performance of Fire Assay).·
  • Assist Assay Master in the up keeping and maintenance of laboratory.·
  • Such other duties as assigned by the Controller, Legal Metrology.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

The Technical Assistant is having a very important role in effectively carrying out various activities of the Laboratory. He should conduct all activities pertaining to calibration in the Secondary Standards Laboratory with utmost degree of accuracy under the strict supervision guidance and monitoring

of DeputyController of Secondary Standards Laboratory. He can also suggest points for the improvement of the functioning of the Laboratory, that is in the method of calibration and updation of operating procedure in accordance with the Legal Metrology Act and Rules which result in enhancing the

quality of calibration.

  • Technical Assistant should maintain the Secondary Standards Laboratory systematically.
  • Technical Assistant is the custodian of the Secondary Standads Lab equipments like, Electronic Balances, Mechanical Balances, Capacity measures, Length measures,weights etc.
  • Timely presentation of Secondary Standards Equipments for verification/reverification before the statutory bodies like Bangalore, NPL New Delhi etc.
  • Preparation and submission of Reports related to Secondary Standards Lab as and when required.
  • Maintain records for Secondary Standard and Working Standard Laboratory Equipments.
  • Maintenance of Secondary Standard and Working Standard Laboratory Equipments
  • Conduct timely verification and calibration of working standards like Electronic/Mechanical Balances, Weights, Capacity measures, Length Measures etc.
  • Onsite verification of working Standard balances at various laboratories under the department situated in Legal Metrology Offices.
  • Preparation of verification Certificate
  • Since the Secondary Standards Lab possesses NABL accreditation, TA should be an active member of NABL team and he should carryout his role in the NABL related activities (Calibration and documentation) also.
  • In addition to the above duties and responsibilities, Technical Assistant should carry out any additional duty assigned by the Deputy Controller of Legal Metrology (Secondary Standard Laboratory) or higher authorities.

INSPECTING ASSISTANT

  • He shall keep and update Census Register.·
  • Compile data of verified weight or measure and make the necessary entries in the stamping fee register and get it approved by the concernedhigher officer.·
  • Assist the Deputy Controller/Assistant Controller/inspector for camp shifting/ camp work/ verification work and take care of departmental equipments and tools.·
  • Verify the documents and number of articles presented by trader/repairer and prepare Verification Certificate and to submit the same for higher officer forsignature.·
  • Assist the officer for verification work of weight or measure.·
  • Maintain the detailed register of the users of weight or measure.·
  • Keep the Working Standard laboratory and stamping equipments neat and clean.·
  • Help the officer to maintain the records and files updated and preserve them neatly.·
  • Help the officer in court cases.·
  • To prepare Defaulters Register in the prescribed performa.·
  • Remittance of cash the treasury as directed by the Legal Metrology Officer.·
  • Discharge any other duties and functions assigned or directed by controlling Officers of the Department.