(a) whether the expert panel set up for recommending measures for ensuring speedy redressal and disposal of
consumer’s cases has since submitted its report;
(b) if so, the details of the recommendations made by the said panel;
(c) the details of action so far taken by the Union Government thereon;
(d) the details of the suggestions received from the States alongwith the names of such States; and
(e) the time by which all the recommendations are likely to be implemented?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD
AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a) & (b): The Department of Consumer Affairs had constituted a Working Group to suggest
further amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Working Group submitted its
report to the Government in February, 2006. The recommendations were categorised by the
Working Group under the following headings:
(i) Definitions of terms in the Act.
(ii) Provisions to deal with challenges posed by Online Purchasing/Telemarketing Etc.
(iii) Improving the working of Central, State and District Consumer Protection Councils.
(iv) Composition of District Forum, State Commission and National Commission.
(v) Charging of Fee for filing complaints.
(vi) Improving procedural efficiency of District Forum, State Commission and National Commission.
(vii) Provision for Adequate Costs to Parties.
(viii) Improving the Enforcement of Orders of District Forum, State Commission and National Commission.
(ix) Promotion of Alternate Dispute Redressal.
(x) General Recommendations.
(c) & (d): Based on the recommendations made by the Working Group, the Department of
Consumer Affairs had prepared a comprehensive note containing the draft proposals to further
amend the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The note was circulated to inter-
alia all States/Union Territories for their comments. While most of the States/UTs which
responded were supportive of the proposals, a few of the States/UTs suggested some
changes/modifications to the proposals. Those were taken into consideration while finalising the
note containing the draft proposals for amendment of the Act. These proposals have not yet been
concurred in by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
(e) : No time frame can be indicated at this stage in view of answer to parts
(c) and (d).