Modi proposes new law for consumer aid
NEWDELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pitched for a new law to protect consumers that will provide redressal of grievances in a time-bound manner and clamp down on misleading advertisements.
The push for a new Consumer Protection Act comes amid the Opposition’s renewed clamour over the hardships of common people due to demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The new legislation is in the line of the UPA’S proposed bill on time-bound delivery of public services and grievance redressals. The Upa-era bill, however, couldn’t clear House hurdles after being introduced in December 2011.
The new bill provides for twoyear imprisonment and up to ~10 lakh fine for misleading advertisements that have harmed the consumers. For subsequent malpractices, penalty will be higher. The new bill will overhaul the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
“Friends, today we are in the process of enacting a new Con- sumer Protection Act keeping in view the business practices and the country’s requirements. The proposed Act lays great emphasis on consumer empowerment. Rules are being simplified to ensure that consumer grievances are redressed in a time-bound manner and at the least possible cost,” Modi said, addressing an international conference on consumer protection here.
Modi also announced that a Central Consumer Protection Authority will be formed and given more powers. “Stringent provisions are proposed against misleading advertisements. A Central Consumer Protection Authority with executive powers will be constituted for quick remedial action,” he said.