Scheme to strengthen consumer awareness in India approved

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to continue the Plan Scheme for creation of consumer awareness with a total outlay of Rs.409.29 crore.

The fund will be utilized during the 12th Five Year Plan for strengthening the consumer movement by increasing consumer literacy through a sustained campaign about consumers' rights and responsibilities.

The approved Scheme envisages extensive use of newspapers, radio, television and other mediums for spreading consumer awareness. Additionally, the existing campaign of Jago Grahak Jago will be further strengthened so as to reach all parts of the country in an effective manner.

Further, Various States and Union Territories will be provided financial assistance for carrying out such awareness campaigns in regional languages.

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 has guaranteed several rights to Indian consumers regarding quality, quantity, purity of goods etc. The consumers have a right to approach various consumer fora for redressal of their grievances.

It is felt necessary that the Indian consumers particularly in rural areas should be made aware about their legal rights and also the procedure for filing complaints.

The existing grievance redressal mechanism, it is felt, needs to be popularized.