New Delhi: The government has formulated a
draft national consumer policy with an aim to ensure that
goods, services and technology are available to the consumers
at reasonable prices and good quality.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has sought opinion
from all stakeholders on the draft policy before finalising,
an official statement said today.
Noting that India is gradually integrating with global
market, the draft policy said that the trade practices need to
be identified and regulated to prevent exploitation of
gullible consumers.
"Laws and codes need to be re-engineered to make them
compatible with the consumer empowerment," it added.
The proposed policy should cover empowering cosnumers
through education and awareness, besides providing rights to
consumers and mechanism for resolution of disputes.
"An empowered consumer is also in the interest of
industry, as he can impel the producers to provide larger
choices, which will spur business to innovate and become
competitive," the draft policy outlined.
The policy proposes to open up competition in areas where
government is the sole service provider, the statement said.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 22:37