Maha to soon have its 'consumer policy': Arun Deshpande

Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to come up with its 'consumer policy' shortly, chairman of State Consumer Welfare Advisory Committee Arun Deshpande said today.
Government is keen on protecting the rights of the consumers and has taken a positive decision with regards to 'Right to Service Act' under which over 42 types of certificates are to be issued within a stipulated time frame by the departments concerned, Deshpande told a press conference.
He was talking to reporters after concluding his two-day tour of the district here.
"Government has also taken a decision to declare a 'consumer policy' shortly, for which a draft committee under my chairmanship was set up. The draft is now ready. Maharashtra will become the first ever state to have its consumer policy," he said.

Raising concern over poor redressal of cases, Deshpande admitted that on several instances consumers do not get the benefit of provisions under Consumers Protection Act and ignorance among consumers is one of the reasons for it.
He pointed out at paucity of members in the district consumers grievances redressal forums and also said many of the forums at local level are defunct.
"We are taking up the issue with the state government and would soon find a suitable solution to it," he added.
He had earlier held discussions with various organisations, traders' unions, shop keepers associations, representatives of district grahak panchayat, officers of various departments and instructed them to ensure the rights of the consumers.