Odisha Demands More Power under Consumer Protection Act 2019

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has demanded more power and fund under Consumer Protection Act 2019 that seeks to replace the existing the Consumer Protection Act 1986.

Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain wrote to Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan seeking more power and fund under the new Act for the larger interest of the people of Odisha.

In his letter, the Odisha Minister urged Paswan to give power of acceptance of resignation and removal of the presidents and members of District Commissions, which would be set up for protection of consumer rights, to the state government.

The expenditure incurred on salaries and allowances of the presidents and members of the District Commission shall be borne by the Central government, Swain demanded.

The Odisha Minister also said that the Centre should bear 75 per cent of establishment cost for functioning of State Commission and District Commissions.

Swain also said that fees deposited by the complainants must come to the state coffer and power must be bestowed upon the state government to take action against fraudulent trading to prevent unfair trade practices in both e-commerce as well as direct selling.

The state department secretary should be inducted as one of the members of the Central Consumer Protection Council, he said.

The State Minister also opposed the move to provide power to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to seek report from the district Collectors on cases related to protection of consumer rights.

“It appears that the CCPA can directly refer the matter to the district Collector or call for a report from him without involving the state government. I strongly feel that such arrangements bypassing the state government is against the federal structure of our Constitution,” the letter mentioned.

Swain suggested for communicating directions with the Collector, State Commission and District Commission through the state government.

He also demanded for setting up of a regional office of CCPA in the state and reservation of one seat for woman in the Commissions.

Notably, the Centre has released draft rules under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and has notified in August.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is seeking public and stakeholder comments on the rules till Dec. 2.