Working sans uniform & weapons, LMD to write to govt soon

The Legal Metrology Department (LMD) of the state government is fighting for its identity. Since inception, its officers haven't had a proper uniform, resulting in hurdles during search and seizure operations.

With LMDs from several other states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka having uniform, the Maharashtra LMD will soon write to the government, asking for funds for uniform and weapons for its men.

"Our inspectors require uniforms for search and seizure operations, it's important as it will help the public recognise them. The inspectors have faced obstruction from public... The time has come where there is need for uniforms and other equipment for the department," said senior inspector general of police and controller of LMD Sanjay Pandey.

"Just showing the identity card does not solve the purpose. No asks a police inspector for an ID, or manhandle him during an operation, but that's not the case in LMD," said an LMD inspector.

The LMD is also in the process of getting weapons for its inspectors sanctioned by the state government. LMD started functioning in 1991 and has 282 inspectors across the state.

"Having a uniform is the most important thing for the department. Our inspectors' job is to catch all those involved in malpractices red-handed, right from white-collared people to criminal elements and even the mafia. In an operation, there's only one inspector at the scene. He has to do the whole job sans weapon and uniform, making it all the more difficult. A uniform not only gives confidence to officers but also works as a deterrent for wrongdoers," said assistant controller and general secretary of All-India Legal Metrology Officers Association Lalit Harode.