The lackadaisical approach of the concerned authorities is evident as the Chandigarh Administration has yet to constitute the District Consumer Protection Council, despite the legal mandate.
In light of the absence of this essential consumer advisory body mandated by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, in UT Chandigarh, concerns have been raised by Advocate Ajay Jagga regarding the delay in establishing the District Consumer Protection Council (DCPC). This statutory council plays a pivotal role in safeguarding consumer interests within the region. Jagga has written a letter to IAS Hari Kallikat, urging the prompt formation of the council, as the respective department under IAS Kallikat has neglected the legal mandate thus far.
The DCPC, outlined under Section 5 of the Consumer Protection Act, includes crucial members such as the District Collector as Chairperson, the District Food Supply Controller as Convenor-cum-member, representatives from Non-Governmental/Consumer Organizations, and three non-official members nominated by the Chairperson.
Stressing the urgent need for its establishment, Jagga highlighted the council’s fundamental role as outlined in Section 9 of the Act—to provide guidance in promoting and safeguarding consumer rights within the district.
Expressing dismay over the delay, Jagga communicated his concerns to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, New Delhi, and seeking swift action in constituting the council. While the ministry responded, indicating that the State Government should establish the council through notification, no concrete steps have been taken yet.
Highlighting Punjab’s proactive approach, where rules for the Punjab State Consumer Protection Council were notified in 2021, Jagga urged UT Chandigarh to promptly adopt similar rules or devise its own framework to ensure the protection of consumer rights.
The delay in establishing the DCPC poses a potential setback in safeguarding consumer rights, leaving Chandigarh residents without a dedicated body to address their grievances in accordance with the law.
