Government extends deadline for comments on draft breathalyser rules | Mint

New Delhi: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has decided to extend the last date for submitting comments on the proposed new draft rules for breath analysers, commonly known as breathalysers.

According to the government order, the new deadline, originally set for July 26, is now August 16. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs had notified the new draft rules on June 27.

According to the new draft rules, these analysts must follow standardized testing procedures, ensuring consistent and reliable results across different devices. The standardization is intended to increase public confidence in the fairness and accuracy of enforcement actions.

“Breath analysers are used in a variety of sectors, including law enforcement, where they measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in drivers to enforce drunk driving laws and detect drugs and other substances,” the government notification said.

In the Breathalyzer, the driver has to breathe in and measure the amount of alcohol in his breath.

This is important as cases of drunk driving are on the rise, leading to a rise in road accidents.

According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, drunk driving cases rose from 9,150 in 2021 to 10,080 in 2022. This increase also pushed road accident deaths from 3,314 in 2021 to 4,201 in 2022.

It said that to ensure accuracy of breathalysers, they are required to be verified and sealed as per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

This verification will protect individuals from wrongful penalties due to faulty devices and help maintain the integrity of legal and workplace policies.

Breathalyzers are also used by air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers and in railways.

Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has increased the mandatory breath test coverage for its employees from 10% to 25%. This extended coverage will apply to air traffic controllers, ground staff, aircraft maintenance engineers and ground handling service personnel.

medical diagnosis

In medical diagnosis, breath analyzers can help diagnose conditions such as diabetes as well as Helicobacter pylori infection by detecting acetone.

“Providing stamped and verified evidential breath analysers to the public can increase awareness about the effects of alcohol on impairment and the legal limits for safe operation of vehicles and machinery. This initiative promotes responsible behaviour and informed decision-making,” the notification said.

Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the move, stressing the importance of public participation in the rulemaking process. They argue that standardized procedures and increased accuracy of breathalyzers will not only enhance public safety but also build confidence in the enforcement mechanism.

Ashim Sanyal, CEO of Consumer Voice, said, “The extension of the deadline for comments is seen as a positive move, which will allow more stakeholders to provide inputs on the proposed rules.”

He said the enhanced coverage by DGCA for mandatory testing reflects its understanding of the vital role these professionals play in ensuring safety.