Govt seeks public opinion on draft consumer policy

The government has formulated a draft national consumer policy with an aim to ensure that goods, services and technology are available to the consumers at reasonable prices and good quality.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has sought opinion from all stakeholders on the draft policy before finalising, an official statement said today.

Noting that India is gradually integrating with global market, the draft policy said that the trade practices need to be identified and regulated to prevent exploitation of gullible consumers.

"Laws and codes need to be re-engineered to make them compatible with the consumer empowerment," it added.

The proposed policy should cover empowering cosnumers through education and awareness, besides providing rights to consumers and mechanism for resolution of disputes.

"An empowered consumer is also in the interest of industry, as he can impel the producers to provide larger choices, which will spur business to innovate and become competitive," the draft policy outlined.

The policy proposes to open up competition in areas where government is the sole service provider, the statement said.