Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently in its meeting said that, with GST implementation, a new business culture is developing for the country and in the long perspective consumers will be benefited with this. He further added that “It is a transparent system in which no one can hurt the interests of the Consumers. Increased competition due to the GST will lead to moderation in prices, and will directly benefit poor and middle-class consumers.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a two- day International Conference on Consumer Protection in New Delhi, organized by the Consumer Affairs Department and UNCTAD.
While addressing at an International Conference in New Delhi, Modi said that The government is trying to implement a new Consumer Protection Act keeping in mind the business practices and the requirements of the country. During his speech, Modi said, “Today we are in the process of enacting a new Consumer Protection Act keeping in view business practices and requirements of the country. The proposed Act lays great emphasis on consumer empowerment.” He further added that “Stringent provisions are proposed against misleading advertisements. A Central Consumer Protection Authority with executive powers will be constituted for quick remedial action.”
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Apart from highlighting the interest of consumers through law, it is important that the grievances of people solved quickly. From past three years, Indian Government has created a new- ecosystem for grievance redressal by proper utilization of technology.
While speaking at International Conference on Consumer Protection Modi said, “It is mentioned in Atharvaveda that nobody should be involved in malpractices of quality and measurement”. By adding that “You will be astonished to know that in India, around 2,500 years ago, during the period of Kautilya, there were guidelines for the government on how trade should be regulated and the interest of consumers protected. The posts in the organisational structure in the Kautilya period may be considered as Director of Trade and Superintendent of Standards in today’s context.”
“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 least possible cost. Stringent provisions are proposed against misleading advertisements. A Central Consumer Protection Authority with executive powers will be constituted for quick remedial action”, said Modi.
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The Prime Minister said that protection of consumers would be the main aim of new Consumer Protection Act being proposed by the government which would help in redressing grievances in the minimum time and stringent provisions are created to check misleading advertisements.
During his speech, Modi said, “Protection of consumer interests is a priority of the government. This is also reflected in our resolution of New India. Moving beyond consumer protection, New India will have best consumer practices and consumer prosperity.” By adding that, a Central Consumer Protection Authority along with executive powers will be created by the government for quick remedial action.
