Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Choudhary Zulfkar Ali, today said that the Government will bring Consumer Protection Bill and Hoarding and Profiteering Bill 2017 in the upcoming assembly session.“The State Government is committed to empowerment of consumers and the new Bill when passed will take care of any lacunae found in the prevalent laws and further strengthen the rights of the consumers”, the Minister maintained.The Minister said this while addressing a function here organized to mark the National Consumer Day.Director FCS&CA Kashmir, legal experts and officials of the department were present on the occasion.He said that the Government is taking number of revolutionary steps that will empower the consumers in every aspect.
To ensure speedy justice to consumers, Zulfkar said that the State Consumer Protection Council and its district-wise offices have already been formed to ensure fast tracking of grievance redressal mechanism. He said that the vacancy of members in the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission will also be filled up soon.The Minister hailed the efforts of the department for working in trying circumstances during the summer.He said that the exemplary work done during last few months has been hailed by one and all. He asked the officials to continue to work with commitment and ensure that every single consumer gets his due share of service and goods.He urged upon the people, media and NGOs to come forward and supplement the efforts of the government in protecting the interests of consumers besides making them aware of their rights and responsibilities.