Steps for strengthening of infrastructure at the Consumer Fora

The Government has decided to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 comprehensively so that the rights of the Consumers can be better protected. This information was given by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha, yesterday. 

 

Regarding pendency of cases in consumer courts, the Minister said that Inadequate infrastructure is one of the reasons which have affected the disposal of cases. However a number of steps have been taken for improving the Consumer Fora working. Financial assistance is provided by the Central Government to the States/UTs for strengthening of infrastructure of Consumer Fora including computerization and networking. Hardware has been supplied at 550 Consumer Forums (34 State Commissions and 516 District Consumer Forums).Online access have been provided to 521 Consumer Forums (33 State Commissions and 488 District Consumer Forums). 

 

Shri Paswan said that the Department of Consumer Affairs regularly carries out awareness campaign on various consumer related issues including messages on consumer Law and Forums under the “Jago Grahak Jago” program through various medium like newspapers, Magazines, Doordarshan, All India Radio, Lok Sabha Television, Pvt. FM Radio Stations, C&S Channels, Digital Cinema, Community Radio & Hoardings etc. The campaigns are done on All India basis and not state-wise.