MUMBAI, SEPT 16: The Maharashtra Wajan Maap (weights and measures) Association has protested the state government's decision to hike the fees for verification and re-verification of weights and measures. The Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department of the state government is reportedly proposing to amend schedule XII rule 17 (1) of the Maharashtra Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) rules, 1987, wherein fees for checking of weights will be increased, in some cases upto 300 per cent.S Subramani, the association's honorary secretary, alleged that in some cases, the verification of weights were more expensive than manufacturing. It also defied logic, he alleged. For example, brass weights, he said, cost more than cast iron ones. While it cost Rs 90 to manufacture a brass weight of a kilo cast iron could be made at Rs 30 per kilo. Yet, the fees for verifying brass was kept at Rs five while that for cast iron was Rs 10.``This shows a total non application of mind while forming thefees,'' he pointed out. The association has written a letter to the secretary on the issue.The association has also alleged that the government has not made the notification available to the public to present their objections and suggestions. ``What they plan to do is begin implementing the changes in an illegal manner,'' said Subramani. ``We will definitely go to court against it,'' he added.According to Subramani, the proposal for the changes was sent to the government printing press on August 5, so the last date for filing objections was six weeks from it ie September 16. ``Yet, the notification is not being distributed by the printing press at Charni Road,'' said Subramani, who went to collect a copy. He was allegedly told by the salesmen at the press that they received orders not to distribute the copies.
