Ministry of Consumer Affairs signs MoU with FICCI on six point partnership agenda towards consumer welfare activities

FICCI announces the formation of a dedicated 'FICCI Consumer Vertical'

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day signed an MoU with FICCI on the six point partnership agenda during the mega event organized by MoCA. The event was chaired by Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India along with the Secretary, MoCA, Shri C Viswanathan. The MoU envisages various activities towards which industry associations and their members would endeavor to work for the welfare of the consumers. This was the vision of the Minister Shri Paswan which he shared with all the industry associations during the first meeting convened by him on the subject on 12th January 2016. Since then, FICCI has been actively working along with MoCA towards this cause.

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan congratulated the industry associations and industry members to have joined hands with the Government towards the agenda of safeguarding consumers' interest. He further said that it is heartening to know that industry is as much concerned about consumers as the Government and would urge them to work for the welfare of their consumers.

 

On the occasion, Mr. Anil Rajput, Co-Chair FICCI Consumer Vertical appreciated Government's initiative of encouraging partnership with industry for consumer welfare activities and said 'These collaborative efforts between Industry & Government are bound to strengthen consumer trust'. He further stated FICCI has always been working dedicatedly towards the cause of the consumers along with its industry members and would continue to work in cooperation with the Government in various areas to enhance consumer protection and awareness.

Following are the key initiatives finalized under the six point partnership agenda:

(i) Jointly develop and endeavor to implement amongst all members of the association, a self-regulated code of fair business practices with the consumer at its heart; (ii) Encourage all members of the association to partner with the National Consumer helpline and State Consumer Helplines on grievance redressal. (iii) Launch joint consumer awareness, education and training programmes under the Jago Grahak Jago campaign. (iv) Work towards earmarking of CSR funds for consumer awareness and protection activities from each member industry annually. (v) Establish a Consumer Affairs division/vertical in the industry body with a dedicated team to address consumer related issues. (vi) Initiate advocacy action against unfair trade practices and preventing fake, counterfeit and sub-standard products and services to enhance consumer protection through enhanced vigilance and innovative outreach.

This is noteworthy that FICCI has announced the formation of a 'Consumer Vertical' which would aim to strengthen the trust between the industry and consumers. The Consumer Vertical is to be chaired by Mr. L Mansingh, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Co-Chaired by Mr. Anil Rajput, ITC. It is currently composed of 40 members from across various consumer facing businesses like FMCG, Consumer Durables, Education, Health, Retail, E-Commerce, Food processing and Textiles to name a few.

To spread awareness among consumers FICCI is placing advertisements on TV Channels on their rights and good practices under 'Jago Grahak Jago' initiative. Two such advertisements were showcased at the event. FICCI is also working towards popularizing the National Consumer Helpline amongst all of its members and is encouraging them for the convergence mechanism.

FICCI is committed towards further propagating it by inviting IIPA representatives to regular meetings with industry to educate them on NCH and its functioning.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News