WORKING GROUP MOOTED FOR CONSUMER
PROTECTION
CENTRAL
CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCIL TO MEET ON JULY 16
A meeting of the
Central Consumer Protection Council (CCPC) scheduled here for
July 16, 2003 is expected to deliberate on measures for strengthening
the consumer movement in the country. Convened by the Department
of Consumer Affairs in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food
and Public Distribution, this meeting will also consider ways
and means of effective implementation of Consumer Protection Act
and to cover new initiatives like introduction of consumer clubs
in schools setting up of working groups for examining various
consumer related issues in detail and making practical suggestions
for better protection of consumer interests.
Consumer Protection
(Amendment) Act, 2002 came into force with effect from March 15,
2003 which facilitates quicker disposal of complaints and better
capability of redressal agencies besides streamlining the procedures
and widening the scope of Consumer Protection Act making it more
functional and effective. The State Governments were also requested
to provide necessary infrastructure to consumer forums wherever
necessary by utilising the one-time grant available to them for
this purpose. The Department of Consumer Affairs had launched
a scheme of one-time financial assistance of Rs. 61.8 crore during
1995 to 99 to supplement the efforts of States/UTs for strengthening
the infrastructure of State Commissions and District Forums. Under
this scheme each State Commission was given Rs. 50 lakh and District
Forum Rs. 10 lakh in four equal instalments setting reduction
of pendency as the criterion for release of funds.
Under the proposal
for setting up working groups for examining various consumer related
issues, the meeting will consider areas like food safety, issues
on drugs, pharmaceuticals and medical equipments; health and safety
like use of tobacco products; misleading advertisements etc. Another
new initiative which will be taken up by the meeting is the setting
up of consumer clubs in schools on the pattern of eco-clubs being
set up by the ministry of Environment and Forests. The objective
of the scheme is to educate children about the rights of consumers
as provided in the CP Act, mobilise youngsters by introducing
the spirit of protection of consumer rights, to impart knowledge
about the role of consumers in protecting their rights and to
generally strengthen consumer movement in the country.
