Shortage of stationery hits Metrology Dept

Shortage of stationery hits Metrology Dept
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Shortage of Stationery Hits Metrology Dept, State Controller of Legal Metrology, Weights & Measures. In what could be termed as one of the most bizarre excuses, the State Controller of Legal Metrology (Weights & Measures) has not been issuing certificates to auto rickshaws for more than 15 days.

Over 2,000 auto drivers waiting for mandatory certification

In what could be termed as one of the most bizarre excuses, the State Controller of Legal Metrology (Weights & Measures) has not been issuing certificates to auto rickshaws for more than 15 days, ‘just because there is not enough stock of stationery material’. It also reflects the government officials’ apathy towards addressing public grievances.

One of the major responsibilities of the weights and measures department is to check the functioning of meters in the auto-rickshaws for accuracy. And, it is mandatory for every driver to get his auto meter checked and sealed every year.

Over 2,000 new auto-rickshwas are waiting for the mandatory certification only after which they can get batch numbers to run auto-rickshaws. There are only two certifying centres in Hyderabad- Attapur and Singareni colony. “Everyday at least 50 auto-rickshaws are being sent back from both centres without certification as they are told to come back after two weeks,” said Satti Reddy of AP Autodriverla Samaikya.

When The Hans India contacted the officials concerned, they admitted that though the centres were open, certification was not being done. “We do not have sufficient stationery material, which is supposed to come from the head office. We cannot get it printed from a private agency,” said Srinivas, assistant Controller, Legal Meteorology, measures.

With no officials to address the complaints, the auto drivers, against whom a large number of complaints already exist, were fleecing passengers by charging exorbitantly and were refusing to charge as per meter. They could also install manipulated meters without fear.

A housewife complained: "For a fare of not more than Rs 50 from Begumpet to Marredpally in normal conditions, I had to pay Rs 150. I tried to bargain with a couple of autowalas, but they asked much higher amount. And as it was raining heavily in the evening I settled for Rs 150 fare.”

To check such incidents, the Metrology Department has to step up its vigilance operations by conducting regular checks at the ground level and imposing fines on the violators.

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