On World Metrology Day 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, signed on 20 May 1875 in Paris. India also unveiled initiatives reflecting its modern, digital-first approach to legal metrology, while highlighting its ancient heritage in weights and measurement systems.
Key Highlights
- Occasion: 150 years of the Metre Convention (signed on 20 May 1875).
- Organized by: Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Theme: Bridging ancient Indian metrology with cutting-edge digital reforms.
- Tribute paid to:
- Indus Valley Civilization’s advanced measurement practices.
- Mauryan Empire’s regulated weight systems as detailed in Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
- Focus: Reforming India’s legal metrology system with futuristic tools and international alignment.
- Emphasized India’s tech-forward approach:
- Blockchain-based traceability
- Software testing infrastructure
- Inclusive, industry-friendly reforms
Modern Reforms Highlighted in 2025:
- Blockchain-enabled traceability systems: For ensuring accuracy and tamper-proof measurement records.
- AI and software-based testing labs: Integration of software testing in legal metrology for smart meters and devices.
- Inclusive and user-friendly policy framework: To ease compliance and ensure consumer protection.
- Strengthening enforcement & calibration: Enhanced surveillance and precision calibration labs.
Key Announcements and Developments
1. India Authorized to Issue OIML Certificates
- India becomes the 13th country globally authorized to issue OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) certificates.
- Significance:
- Enhances global trust in Indian measurement systems.
- Helps Indian manufacturers access global markets.
- Positions India as a credible player in international trade.
2. “One Nation, One Time” Initiative – Draft IST Rules, 2025
- Part of Time Dissemination Project.
- Objective: Deliver Indian Standard Time (IST) with millisecond-level precision.
- To be implemented via: Five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs)
- Significance:
- Crucial for sectors like telecom, banking, and transportation.
- Ensures uniform timekeeping across India.
3. Consumer Protection in Jewellery Sector
- Proposal: Mandatory use of 1 mg precision balances.
- Applicable to: Gold, jewellery, and precious metal transactions
- Objective: Improve accuracy in weighing; protect consumer rights.
4. Launch of eMaap Portal
- A centralized digital platform for Legal Metrology.
- Currently integrated with 18 States.
- Features:
- Digital licensing and registration
- Enforcement tracking
- Benefits:
- Simplifies compliance.
- Reduces red tape.
- Promotes transparency and ease of doing business.
5. Weekly Facilitation Helpdesk
- Video-based helpdesk for industry interaction.
- Held every Tuesday, 4–5 PM.
- Conducted with participation from State Legal Metrology departments.
- Purpose: To provide real-time assistance, address industry queries, and enhance regulatory responsiveness.
6. New Legal Metrology Rules for Critical Devices
- Speed Guns and Gas Meters: New standards notified.
- Upcoming regulations: For Breath Analysers and Moisture Meters.
- Objective: Standardization and accuracy in law enforcement and utility sectors.
About Metre Convention
- Signed in: Paris, 1875 by 17 nations (including UK, France, Germany, Russia, etc.).
- Objective: To promote international uniformity in measurements.
- Outcome: Formation of:
- BIPM – Bureau International des Poids et Mesures.
- Establishment of SI units (International System of Units).
- India joined: 1957.
- Observed as: World Metrology Day every May 20.
Importance of Legal Metrology
- Legal Metrology: Science of weights & measures, applied for legal regulation.
- Ensures:
- Consumer protection from unfair trade practices.
- Accuracy in commercial transactions.
- Standardization in measurements across industries (retail, fuel, pharma, etc.).
Institutions Involved
- Legal Metrology Division, Department of Consumer Affairs – oversees standards in weights and measures.
- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) – India’s national standards body aligning metrology with global benchmarks.
- BIPM (France) – Global custodian of SI units and metrology governance under the Metre Convention.