(a) the functions of the Consumer Protection Councils (CPCs) in the country;
(b) whether several States have not set up the CPC as mandated under Section 8A of
the Consumer Protection Act, 1986;
(c) if so, whether the Union Government has issued any directions to such States for
setting up of CPCs;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of cases filed and disposed of by the CPCs during each of the last three
years and the current year; State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION(PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a): As per the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, the objects of the Consumer
Councils is to promote and protect the rights of consumers such as :-
(i) the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which
are hazardous to life and property;
(ii) the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity,
standard and price of goods or sendees, as the case may be so as to protect
the consumer against unfair trade practices;
(iii) the right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and
services at competitive prices;
(iv) the right to be heard and to be assured that consumer`s interests will receive
due consideration at appropriate fora;
(v) the right to seek Redressal against unfair trade practices [or restrictive trade
practices] or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers; and
(vi) the right to consumer education.
(b): Yes, some States/UTs have not set up the District Consumer Protection
Councils (DCPCs) as mandated under Section 8A of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
(c)&(d): The Central Government have been issuing directions to the States/UTs
from time to time for setting up of SCPCs/DCPCs. The last letter was sent from
Secretary, Department of Consumer affairs on 26th August, 2011.
(e): The main objective of the Consumer Protection Councils is to promote and
protect the interests of consumers. These Council guide and advise the establishment
in framing Rules and Amendments to the Consumer Protection Act 1986 from time to time.
These Councils are not mandated to dispose of cases under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.