Changes in the Consumer Protection Act is being mulled by the Jammu and Kashmir government after consultation with various stakeholders, to ensure protection of consumers' interests and time bound disposal of complaints against trade malpractices.
This was stated by the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Muhammad Ramzan, at a function organised to mark the World Consumer Day at Mahant Bachittar Singh College of Engineering and Technology organised by Consumers Welfare Association, an NGO.
Stringent laws and enforcement is important along with an informed citizenry to ensure that consumer rights are respected and protected, the Minister said.
Efforts are being made to streamline the functioning of the CA&PD and ensure that the laws are implemented in letter and spirit, he said.
Ramzan called for strengthening of enforcement wings to check unscrupulous trade practices and safeguard consumer interests.
The government's initiative to ensure home delivery of LPG is an important step to guard interests of the consumer, he said.
The Minister directed officials to check over-charging, if any, at airport, hotels and restaurants and said, strict action will be taken against the erring traders.
Stressing that awareness programmes should not be restricted to specific days, he added that organisations associated with consumer protection should reach out to maximum number of people, informing them about their rights.
