In a move to protect consumers and ensure transparency in trade, Gujarat’s Legal Metrology Department recently conducted surprise inspections at around 370 gold and silver shops and jewellery showrooms on January 2 and 3. This operation resulted in 253 prosecution cases across 25 districts, with an on-the-spot recovery of Rs 6.79 lakh as compounding fees. The initiative, guided by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, was spearheaded by Consumer Affairs Minister Raman Solanki and Minister of State P. C. Baranda.
The enforcement campaign, aimed at safeguarding consumers and preventing unfair trade practices, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain accurate weights and measures. Inspections were carried out in various districts including Ahmedabad, Bharuch–Narmada, Junagadh–Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar–Botad, and Surat, among others. Notably, Ahmedabad reported the highest enforcement action with 22 cases registered after inspecting 61 establishments.
Violations discovered during the inspections included the use of unverified or unstamped weighing instruments, short-weight delivery, failure to conduct mandatory verification and stamping, and other irregularities. All compounding fees were collected on-site through e-POS, UPI-based digital payments, and cheques. This jewellery sector drive is part of a broader enforcement framework that has recovered over Rs 18.77 lakh in compounding fees from various traders in the past year for different violations.
Continuing its efforts, the Legal Metrology Department plans to conduct regular enforcement and consumer awareness drives across the state to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumer rights.
