“One Nation, One Time” Initiative

Draft Legal Metrology (IST) Rules 2025 aim to establish “One Nation, One Time” ensuring precise, synchronized time across India.

Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025: “One Nation, One Time” Initiative

Syllabus: Science and Tech, Geography (UPSC Prelims)

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has notified the Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025 to establish a unified and precise national time framework under the theme “One Nation, One Time.”

The initiative, in collaboration with CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL)¹ and ISRO, aims to disseminate Indian Standard Time (IST) with millisecond to microsecond accuracy through five Legal Metrology laboratories across the country.

Objectives and Significance

Standardize and mandate IST as the official time reference across all sectors.
Ensure synchronization for sectors such as navigation, telecommunications, power grids, banking, digital governance, and scientific research.
Reduce dependence on foreign time sources like GPS, strengthening national security and data integrity.

Institutional Mechanism

A High-Power Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Secretary (Consumer Affairs), was constituted to frame the policy and legal framework. Members include representatives from NPL, ISRO, IIT Kanpur, NIC, CERT-In, SEBI, and ministries of Telecom, Railways, and Finance.

Key Provisions

IST to be the mandatory time standard for legal, administrative, and commercial activities.
Adoption of Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) by government and public institutions.
Periodic audits and penalties for non-compliance.
Cybersecurity provisions and alternate mechanisms for reliability during disruptions.
Limited exceptions for scientific, astronomical, and navigational uses with prior approval.

Expected Benefits

Enhances coordination of critical infrastructure and real-time systems.
Supports accurate financial transactions, transportation schedules, and emergency response.
Promotes technological efficiency, cybersecurity, and economic competitiveness.
Strengthens India’s capability in emerging areas such as 5G, AI, IoT, and gravitational wave research.

Conclusion

The proposed rules mark a significant step toward achieving a synchronized national time system, reinforcing India’s technological sovereignty, economic efficiency, and strategic preparedness.