Bhubaneswar, 3 December (H.S.): Odisha has recorded 153 cases of cheating related to weights and measurements over the past two years, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the State Assembly.

According to the data presented, enforcement teams carried out 3,12,326 inspections across various markets and commercial establishments during this period to identify irregularities and safeguard consumers from fraudulent trade practices.

These inspections resulted in the registration of 10,756 cases. Of these, 153 pertained specifically to manipulation of weights and measurements, while the remaining 10,603 cases were booked for other violations under consumer protection norms.

The Minister underscored the need for constant vigilance and strict enforcement to protect the interests of consumers. He noted that fines amounting to ₹3,11,75,000 were collected from violators during the two-year period. Out of this, offences related to weights and measurements accounted for penalties worth ₹23,51,000.

The figures highlight both the scale of malpractice and the government’s intensified efforts to curb unfair trade practices across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda