K.V. Thomas calls for effective consumer dispute redressal machinery

New Delhi, Mar 14 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prof. K.V. Thomas has called for the effective functioning of consumer dispute redressal machinery in the country.

Presiding over at the inaugural function of a two day conference of the Presidents, State Commissions and the Secretaries, Incharge, Consumer Affairs of the State Governments/UT Administrations here today, Thomas said : "It is essential that consumer fora function successfully, retaining their character and effectiveness so that consumers do not lose their confidence in the justice delivery system."

"While the overall performance of the consumer fora may be satisfactory, as out of 35.09 lakh cases filed so far 31.46 lakh cases, nearly 89.68 per cent stand disposed, the need of the hour is to ensure that the consumer fora do not slip onto the path of civil courts, making litigation long drawn out and taking several years to dispose of even cases involving small compensation," he added.

Detailing the Ministry initiatives, Thomas said that the needs of the National Commission are always on the priority agenda of the Government.

"In so far as the State Commissions and district fora are concerned, as we have been continuously impressing upon them, the State Governments are again requested to make all efforts for providing the necessary infrastructure and manpower to the fora so that the objectives of the Act are fulfilled," he added.

He further said the Government is implementing an important scheme CONFONET to make the consumer fora more efficient, transparent and systematic in their functioning.

Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily, who was the chief guest at the conference, assured that essential support in respect of legal requirements of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the NCDRC for the Consumer Right protection will be given due consideration and support from his ministry.

He said merits of justice delivery system shall not be sacrificed.

Highlighting the importance of consumer awareness, Moily said we need to address the consumer rights and there should be a regulation in respect of advertisements so that a consumer get a faultless service.

A digest "Landmark Judgments on Consumer Rights" was also released on the occasion. (ANI)