Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (CA&PD), Ch Zulfkar Ali has said that the Government has launched a state-wide campaign by roping in all the active stakeholders to create mass consumer awareness that will also include capacity building training for safe and hygienic food to the consumers.While speaking at functions organized in connection with the National Consumer Day celebrations by the Bari Brahmana Industrial Association and National Consumer Forum Jammu & Kashmir, here today the Minister said consumer awareness can only be strengthened with the massive participation of all stakeholders besides effective implementation of several legislations meant for safeguarding the consumer interests. He stressed the need for laying utmost focus in rural pockets which need greater awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities. He also reiterated to revitalize the national slogan ‘’Jago Grahak Jago’’.
He said every consumer must be vigilant and aware towards his/her rights and they must get the quality consumer items in lieu of their money.Minister of State for Education and Information, Priya Sethi, MLC Romesh Arora were also present on the occasion.
Interacting with industrialists, Zulfkar said in order to supplement the Government efforts, the industrial organizations should also come forward and take an active part in strengthening the existing food and safety regulations. He said industrial establishments should be law abiding so that the quantum of offences is reduced. Consumer being the backbone and prime ambassador of products, manufacturing establishments deserve best services; therefore, it is the prime responsibility of these units to maintain high standards of quality in their products so that the common goal of consumer satisfaction is achieved, he asserted.“Manufacturers have the social responsibility to eradicate various unethical trade practices, besides striving hard for upholding the standards of their products so that the consumers get the quality products,’’ said the Minister.
Terming the NFSA as path breaking imitative in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said that the implementation of the Act would go a long way in plugging the pilferages in the existing public distribution system and address the needs of those consumers who were not getting CAPD ration anyhow. Highlighting the significance of the imitative, he said pregnant and lactating mothers would get free ration, besides an amount of Rs 6000 as one time financial assistance, said the Minister. Ch. Zulfkar said the Government has extended the last date for submission of Enrolment forms upto 30th December to enable all the deserving families to get enrolled for NFSA before its rollout on Ist February 2016. He said that certain miscreants have launched a misinformation campaign on NFSA to mislead the people. "The people should not fall prey to any such false propaganda and must avail the benefit of this revolutionary scheme," he added.