Govt, industry to ink MoU on consumer protection tmrw

Government will tomorrow ink an agreement with industry associations to undertake joint programmes on implementing a self-regulated code of business practice to protect consumer rights against misleading ads and fake items.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed by Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan and business groupings -- CII, Ficci, Assocham, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), an official statement said.
The pact, which is being signed to commemorate the World Consumer Rights Day tomorrow, aims to implement the six points agenda covering three priority areas: redressal of consumer grievances, enhancement of consumer awareness and protection against misleading advertisements and counterfeit products.

"The joint initiatives of the government and the industry bodies will surely go a long way in protecting the interests of the consumers and will be a win-win situation for all the stakeholders," the statement said.
The MoU will broadly cover the collaborative programmes on developing and implementing a self-regulated code of fair business practices, establishing a consumer affairs vertical within the industry body, initiating advocacy action against unfair trade practices and preventing fake and sub-standard products/services and adoption of voluntary standards by industry members.
The agreement also seeks to ensure CSR funds are earmarked for consumer awareness and protection activities, partnering with the National Consumer Helpline and State Consumer Helplines for grievance redressal besides launching joint consumer awareness, education and training programmes under the "Jago Grahak Jago".

A joint working group will monitor the implementation of the agenda, the statement added.