A Legal Metrology Department (LMD) team today conducted surprise inspection of Head Post Office Udhampur and inspected the weighing machines used by the Postal Department for different transactions .The team led by Assistant Controller LMD, Jaideep Singh Sambyal observed that the post office administration was using weighing scales which were not approved by the LMD in violation of norms under Legal Metrology Laws.It was further found that all the branches of post office do not use verified weighing scales which amounts to a serious violation on part of the Postal Department.Pertinent to note that the customers are charged for the parcels and speed post in proportion to the weight of the package, thereby accuracy of the scales meant for weighing is of utmost importance from the perspective of consumer rights under J&K Consumer Protection Act 1987.
Further the Head Post Office was found dealing in pre packaged saffron commodity with brand name KOSHUR. The Saffron packages were sold in violation of Legal Metrology (packaged commodities) rules 2011. The pre packed Saffron packages were also found deficient in some mandatory declarations.The team seized 222 packages on spot and Incharge, head post office was served notice for using un-verified weighing scales and selling saffron packages in violation of the laws.The Kashmir valley based supplier “All J&K Saffron Growers Development and Marketing Association, Pampore” was also served notice for printing inadequate declaration on label through its Chief Marketing Administrator.