Director Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Jammu Rajesh Kumar Shavan today chaired a meeting to discuss measures for protecting consumers against misleading practices in the sale of gold, silver and artificial jewellery.
The meeting was attended by Joint Controller Legal Metrology, Deputy Director F&R, Deputy Director Supplies, Chief Accounts Officer Directorate of FCS&CA, various Swarnakar Associations from Jammu, Udhampur, Katra and Reasi besides Assistant Directors of Jammu Division along with their Area inspectors
During the meeting detailed discussion was held with regard to complaints regarding artificial/non-conforming articles being sold in the market by representing them as gold or silver, particularly in areas having high pilgrim and consumer footfall. Concerns regarding purity, hallmarking, weight, billing and misleading representation of making charges were also discussed.
The Director emphasised the need for close coordination among BIS, Legal Metrology Department and the Department of Consumer Affairs to ensure fair and transparent trade practices while protecting the interests of both consumers and genuine traders.
It was decided that joint awareness programmes and stakeholder meetings would be conducted at the district level. The concerned authorities were also directed to undertake regular/random inspections and take appropriate action against persons found indulging in unfair or misleading trade practices.
The meeting also stressed upon generating greater awareness regarding BIS hallmarking and HUID verification, proper disclosure of weight, purity and other charges and strengthening the consumer grievance redressal mechanism.
The Director reiterated that coordinated efforts of all stakeholders are essential to restore consumer confidence, promote transparency and curb unfair trade practices in the jewellery trade. It was decided that the next awareness camp shall be held at Katra.