Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, developing National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap)

Tags: National News

Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, developing National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap)

Why in the news?

• The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is developing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to integrate State Legal Metrology Departments and their portals into a unified National System.

Key points:

• Presently, State Governments are using their own portals for registration of packaged commodities, issue of licenses and verification/stamping of weighing & measuring instruments.  
• Therefore, the Department of Consumer Affairs is integrating all the state portals in one as National Legal Metrology Portal ‘eMaap’ which will include all functions of Legal Metrology including enforcement and help to get a unified database.

Objectives:

•  This initiative aims to streamline processes for issuing licenses, conducting verifications and managing enforcement and compliance. 
• By creating a centralized database, eMaap eliminates the need for stakeholders to register on multiple State Portals, fostering ease of doing business and transparency in trade practices.

Significance:

• eMaap simplifies critical procedures such as issuing, renewing, and amending licenses, as well as handling verification & stamping of weighing & measuring instruments, registration certificates, and appeals, etc.  
• For traders and industries, it minimizes compliance burdens, reduces paperwork and ensures timely adherence to the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Rules made thereunder, creating a transparent and conducive business environment. 
• The portal is also expected to significantly boost manufacturing growth by fostering efficiency and accountability.
• For consumers,eMaap ensures that trade instruments are verified for accuracy, enhancing confidence in market transactions. 
• It provides a transparent legal metrology system, allowing easy access to certificates and promoting awareness of rights and responsibilities. 
• For Governments, the portal enables data-driven decision-making, streamlines enforcement activities, and facilitates policy formation, ensuring a robust and efficient regulatory framework.