Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
National Consumer Day, 2020 with the theme of “New Features of Consumer Protection Act 2019”observed
Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal urges consumers to be vocal for local and to prefer indigenous products and services as appealed by the Prime Minister
Shri Goyal emphasizedon the need for greater commitment towards quality and standards and Atma Nirbhar Bharat
Start-ups need to be encouraged so that people in India get an opportunity to show case their talent and boost the economy: Shri Piyush Goyal
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution virtually celebrated the National Consumer Day 2020 with the theme “New Features of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019” in association with the Centre for Consumer Studies, Indian Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi today.Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Railways and Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Smt.Leena Nandan, Senior officers of the Ministry and Presidents and Members of Consumer Commissions, a host of other stakeholders from the States/UTs virtually attended this programme.
In his inaugural address Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Railways and Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyalstated that the government is committed to protection of rights of consumers. He appealed to all the consumers to be vocal for local to prefer indigenous products and services as appealed by our Prime Minister. The Minister emphasized the need for greater commitment towards quality and standards and Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
The Minister said that the inauguration of Second phase of office cum laboratory building at National Test House at Mumbai is a step-in direction as it provides for development of testing facilities of air conditioner, refrigerators, toys  and batteries used in e-vehicles. Emphasizing the need for ‘vocal for local’, the Minister observed that local products should be encouraged which can be done by the consumers only. Start-ups need to be encouraged so that people in India get an opportunity to show case their talent and boost the economy.
The Minister observed that next year, India should be celebrating the year of quality instandard and productivity. This, he observed would be in the interest of consumers and business as it would stand in good stead against international competitors. This would ensure that products and services of India gain acceptability in international & domestic market. The Minister concluded the speech by saying ‘JagoaurJageraho’ meaning consumers should be aware of their rights and they should remain aware and be vigilant while purchasing goods and services. On the National Consumer Day Minister also felicitated winners of National Poster Making Competition organized by CCS, IIPA and released E-Book .
The Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve, in his key note address said that “Upbhokta Devo Bhava” meaning consumer is God. He stressed on the need to regulate e-commerce and direct selling as online purchases are increasing every day. Minister specifically mentioned about the process of grievance redressal by National Consumer Helpline and Zonal Helplines in resolving consumer grievances. He said increasing number of consumers are using Consumer App for registering complaints and has been a great success. This App is being monitored in the Ministry regularly. He said that we should all work towards empowerment and awareness of consumers.
Smt. Leena Nandan, Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs in her opening remarks said that the several unique features of the new Act are advantageous to the consumer. She said that in order to spread awareness and educate, particularly those in rural areas where consumers are more susceptible to exploitation, the Department of Consumer Affairs is associating with State governments in a major way in implementing the programmes through Common Service Centres, Panchayats and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
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