STRENGTHENING OF CONSUMER MOVEMENT
SHRI YADAV
URGES STATES TO PREPARE ACTION PLAN
Shri Sharad Yadav,
Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has
requested State Governments and Union Territory Administrations
to prepare action plan to further strengthen consumer movement
in their areas in an effective manner. In a letter addressed to
all chief ministers, Lt. Governors and Administrators, the minister
urged them to monitor functioning of consumer movement at the
highest level while pointing out that consumer protection has
been identified as a priority agenda in the last National Development
Council Meeting.
Shri Yadav suggested
a few steps to promote consumer movement in states like creation
of a separate department with a full secretary to deal with consumer
protection, on the pattern that exists at the centre. The states
were also asked to dispose of cases within the time limit of 90
to 150 days to bring down pendancy of cases. If needed states
should set up circuit/additional Benches of the state commissions
or establish additional district forums; as provided for in the
amended Consumer Protection Act; the letter suggests.
State Governments
were also requested to issue necessary instructions to fill up
all the existing vacancies in consumer fourm and also to keep
a panel of Presidents/Members for appointment against vacancies
as and when they occur. Consumer forums should also be provided
with adequate infrastructure facilities including computer net
working for their effective functioning keeping the interest of
consumers in view. Shri Yadav also requested the state governments
to make adequate budgetary provisions for the proposed action
plan for its effective and time-bound implementation.
