In order to initiate a strong consumer protection regime and empower consumers against sub-standard goods, the government is working on stringent Consumer Laws encompassing a product liability clause to render erring manufacturers and suppliers liable to pay punitive damages; a move, which is slated to substantially overhaul existing consumer laws. Addressing the Members of Parliamentary Consultative Committee’s attached with his Ministry here today, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan said that the Government has decided to give high priority to the protection of consumers and promotion of responsible consumer movement in the country as the post liberlisation and globalization has posed many challenges for protection of consumers. He expressed the concern over pendency of cases in consumer courts. He said the Government has plans to revamp the infrastructure and strengthen these courts.
Briefing the members about Governments plans for consumer protection, he said that his Ministry has proposed amendments for Creation of a National Consumer Protection Authority to deal with misleading advertisements and for filing class action, online filing of complaints by the Consumers at the place of the residence, restriction of lawers appearance upto certain financial limits and Suo Motu cognizance by Consumer Fora. Participating in the discussion, Member of Parliaments said that to protect the interests of 125 crores consumers the Government should increase budget for consumer welfare activities. They welcomed the Government’s initiatives for the amendments in Consumer Protection Act and BIS Act.