In a drive to unify timekeeping practices nationwide, the government has rolled out the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2024, which designates Indian Standard Time (IST) as the sole time reference for all official and commercial operations. The draft, released by the consumer affairs ministry, is open for public input until February 14.
IST as the Exclusive Time Reference
The proposed guidelines mandate that IST must be the required time reference across all sectors, including commerce, transport, legal contracts, public administration, and finance. Government institutions and public offices must display IST prominently, incorporating time-synchronization systems to ensure accuracy, dependability, and cybersecurity.
Emphasis on National Infrastructure
This initiative aims to improve time precision in critical infrastructures such as telecommunications, banking, defense, and in emerging technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence. A senior government representative highlighted the necessity of "nanosecond-level accuracy" for both strategic and non-strategic sectors.
Regulations and Penalties
The draft prohibits the adoption of time references other than IST for official and commercial use, allowing exceptions only for specialized areas like astronomy, navigation, and scientific research, pending government consent. Breaches of these regulations will incur penalties, and periodic audits will be conducted to verify compliance.
Collaboration for Precision
The Department of Consumer Affairs is collaborating with the National Physical Laboratory and ISRO to establish a robust framework for time generation and distribution, enhancing the reliability of IST across various sectors. Public participants are invited to share their feedback and suggestions on the draft by February 14, marking a significant move toward consistent timekeeping throughout India.
