(a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding non-issuance of bills to the customers on the sale of costly mobile phones by a prominent e-commerce company;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to protect the rights of consumers by ensuring issuance of bills by the said company to the customers;
(c) if so, whether the Government proposes to set up any complaint assistance centre in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a) : A very few complaints regarding non issuance of bills by e-commerce companies on the sale of mobile phones have been received in the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), being run by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(b) : The Central Government has already introduced the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 in Parliament to replace the existing Consumer Protection Act,1986. There is a provision in the said Bill to the effect that non-issuance of bill or cash memo or receipt for the goods sold or services provided will be treated as unfair trade practice.
(c) to (e) : The Department of Consumer Affairs runs a National Consumer Helpline (NCH) with a toll free number 1800-11-4000 and a short code 14404. A consumer can call to seek information, advice or guidance for his queries and lodge complaints. A consumer can also lodge a complaint through the INGRAM portal “ www.consumerhelpline.gov.in” and also through a mobile app.
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