Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Choudhary Zulfkar Ali today asked Department of Law, and Directors of his department (FCS&CA) to make Consumer Courts operational by the end of August 2016.Speaking during a review meeting, the Minister said that safeguarding rights of consumers is Government’s prime responsibility. He said a Consumer Court plays a pivotal role in empowering a consumer whose problems get speedy redressal in these courts. The Minister said it is therefore imperative to make Consumer Courts operational at an earliest.Highlighting the importance of these Courts, Minister said that they deal with cases regarding consumer disputes and grievances. He said that these are judiciary set ups to protect the consumer rights and their functions are to maintain the fair practices by the sellers towards consumers. He added that consumers can file a case against a seller if they are harassed or exploited by sellers.
The Minister said that he want to see these courts functional before the end of August.The Minister said that adulteration, over charging and under weighing need to be stopped and the department is trying hard to put an end on adulteration, over charging and under weighing. He however appealed traders to come forward and play their role in curbing this menace. He said that there is need to awaken the inner conscience and if it happens, there will be drastic changes in the society. The Minister also stressed on taking a lead in facilitating fast redressal of consumers complaints by making necessary amendments and updating the Consumer Protection Act and Consumer Protection Rules.He said that the changes in the Act, and Rules should purely be done to safeguard interests of consumers.
The Minister asked to take up the matter with concerned authorities to furnish a list of nominated members to administrative department for these Courts.During the meeting, FCS&CA Directors Jammu, and Kashmir G S Chib and Tasaduq Jeelani were directed to provide staff for the Courts till Government formally creates staff for them.To make State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission functional, the Minister asked Law Secretary to make a panel of nominees for the Commission. The Law Secretary was also asked to explore possibilities for space for district forums in District Courts only. The meeting was informed that presently only two District Consumer Forums are operational in entire State, one in District Jammu and one in District Srinagar.