Govt partners industry bodies to curb misleading and fake ads

New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs has entered into partnership with the industry associations ASSOCHAM, CII, DICCI, FICCI and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry to implement a six point agenda to protect the rights of consumers against misleading advertisements, fake and counterfeit products, and for effective redressal of consumer complaints.

An MOU in this regard will be signed tomorrow in the presence of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. 

The MoU will broadly cover the collaborative programmes on developing and implementing a self-regulated code of fair business practices, establishing a consumer affairs division/vertical within the industry body, initiating advocacy action against unfair trade practices and preventing fake, counterfeit and sub-standard products and services and adoption of voluntary standards by Industry members.

Earmarking of CSR funds for consumer awareness and protection activities, partnering with the National Consumer Helpline and State Consumer Helplines for grievance redressal; launching joint consumer awareness, education and training programmes under the “Jago Grahak Jago” will also be part of the agenda.

A joint working group will monitor the implementation of agenda. 

A self-regulation code of ethical business conduct and video spots on consumer advocacy by the industry bodies will also be released during the event.The joint initiatives of the government and the industry bodies will surely go a long way in protecting the interests of the consumers and will be a win-win situation for all the stakeholders. 

The Department of Consumer Affairs is celebrating the World Consumer Rights Day 2016tomorrow. This is an annual occasion for celebration and solidarity within the International Consumer movement. The World Consumer Rights Day is an opportunity to promote and protect the basic rights of consumers.