Prime Minister inaugurates Global Conference on Consumer Protection
October 27 , 2017 2587 days 1124 0
Prime Minister inaugurates International Conference on Consumer Protection for East, South and South-East Asian Countries with the theme of “Empowering Consumers in New Markets” in New Delhi.
This is the first time that an international conference on consumer protection is being organized by India for countries of the region.
The conference is deliberated upon steps taken by Asian countries to implement the UN guidelines on consumer protection as well as challenges faced by consumers of financial services and e-commerce.
Twenty-two countries from East, South and South-East Asia are participating in the international conference and these include China, South Korea, Singapore, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
International Conference on Consumer Protection is being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India in association with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
New Consumer Protection Bill
The Main Objective is to Protect the rights of the consumers.
It will replace the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 by incorporating the amended 2015 UN guidelines on consumer protection.
It proposes to have Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions, which will be set up at the district, state and national levels
Central Consumer Protection Authority with executive powers will be constituted for quick remedial action.
Additionally, it recommends following provisions,
Provision of high quality ICT infrastructure at affordable prices
Consumer safety from hazardous goods, complete disclosure of all information for guidance of consumers
Regulations against identity theft and provision for data privacy protection.