New Delhi, Nov 16: Centre has pulled up the states for their failure to operationalise district consumer courts and asked them to make vigorous efforts to see that all such fora function continuously in the larger public interest. To ensure speedy disposal of consumer cases, it has also decided to set up three more benches in the national consumer disputes redressal commission (NCDRC) in addition to the two at present.
"All states must ensure that no consumer forums remain non-functional at any point of time. Administrative and financial powers must be delegated to these courts so that their functioning is not hampered over petty matters", Consumer Affairs Minister Sharad Yadav said here.
In a letter to Chief Ministers of all the states, he pointed out that 36 district fora are still non-functional.
He said even the related parliamentary standing committee has expressed deep concern that despite the government's assurance two years' back, three dozen district courts were yet to begin work.
Yadav suggested the states to fill up the anticipated vacancies in time. They may consider maintaining a panel of suitable candidates for appointment in the courts and provide adequate infrastructure including competent personnel for their effective functioning.
As urged by the parliamentary committee, he said the states should declare presidents of the state commission and district fora as heads of departments and heads of offices respectively delegating them with enough powers.
Bureau Report