GATC Network Expands to Strengthen Legal Metrology Verification Infrastructure Across the Country
The Department of Consumer Affairs is expanding India's Legal Metrology verification infrastructure through Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs). A fresh round of applications has drawn strong interest from industries and laboratories, with 51 GATCs already recognized. This expansion covers 23 categories of weighing and measuring instruments and aims to enhance Ease of Doing Business and consumer protection.
Why It Matters
This topic is relevant for competitive exams such as UPSC under government policies, governance, and consumer affairs administration.
In Simple Words
The Department of Consumer Affairs is working to strengthen India's Legal Metrology verification infrastructure by expanding the network of Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs). Following amendments to the Legal Metrology Rules, the scope now covers 23 categories of instruments across sectors like healthcare, energy, and transport.
Already, 51 GATCs have been recognized and many more applications are being processed. This network helps supplement State Legal Metrology Departments, allowing officers to focus more on enforcement and consumer grievances while promoting Ease of Doing Business and consumer protection.
Key Points
- The Department of Consumer Affairs is strengthening Legal Metrology verification via Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs).
- Amendments to the Legal Metrology Rules broadened GATCs to cover 23 categories of weighing and measuring instruments.
- Applications are examined for documentation completeness, verification infrastructure, qualified personnel, and site inspections.
- There are 51 GATCs already recognized with a healthy pipeline of applications under consideration.
- Several States have finalized and notified their own GATC Rules aligning with the central framework.
- The verification scope includes water, gas, energy meters, breath analysers, speedometers, weighing instruments, and fuel dispensers.
- Fuel dispensers covered include petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, LNG, and hydrogen.
- The GATC network supplements State infrastructure, freeing Legal Metrology Officers for market surveillance and enforcement.
Exam Angle
A. 23 categories
Source: Press Information Bureau