Self regulation code for industry for redressal of consumer grievances

By | January 13, 2016
(Last Updated On: January 13, 2016)
Self regulation code for industry to be introduced for redressal of consumer grievances

Embarking CSR fund for consumer welfare activities proposed

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs,Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan today held a consultation meeting with industry associations- CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the role and cooperation of the Industry Bodies in furthering the consumer movement in the country. Inaugurating the meeting, Shri Paswan mentioned that the private sector plays an important role in the growth of economy of the country. The industry-government partnership will give an opportunity to consumers for effective redressal of their grievances even before they move the consumer fora. Shri Paswan also suggested that there should be joint awareness campaign by both government and industry associations which should be funded by the private sector. He also urged the industry bodies to allocate some funds from CSR to exclusively utilize for consumer awareness. The industry should particularly focus on spreading awareness in rural areas.

The industry associations highlighted the work they have done in cooperation with the Government and expressed their desire to continue to work in cooperation with the Government in various areas to enhance consumer protection and awareness.

After deliberations, it was agreed that the Government and the Industry bodies would work on the following six point partnership agenda:

(i) Jointly developing and implementing industry standard for grievance redressal

(ii) All Members of the Industry Associations to partner with the National Consumer helpline and State Consumer Helplines

(iii) Launching of joint awareness campaigns

(iv) Earmarking of CSR funds for consumer welfare activities

(v) Developing a self-regulation code

(vi) Action against fake, sub-standard, counterfeit products

It was also decided that the partnership would be launched on the World Consumer rights day on March 15. The industry representatives agreed to provide full cooperation to the government.

Source Press release  Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution 12-January, 2016

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