Expedite setting up of new District Consumer Forum: Imran Hussain

NEW DELHI: Reiterating the Delhi government's commitment of protecting consumer rights, Delhi Consumer Affairs minister Imran Hussain directed the Commissioner Food Safety to expedite the setting-up of a new District Consumer Forum, approved by the Cabinet for Shahdara district.

Hussain, on Monday, reviewed the functioning of the Consumer Affairs department, the Delhi State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission and various District Consumer Forums. The meeting was attended by Commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CFS) and senior officers of the department.

On the occasion, the CFS informed that the Consumer Affairs department is in regular touch with the District Judge Karkardooma Courts for starting the functioning of Consumer Forum Shahdara from the Court Complex so that the consumers do not have to travel far and wide for availing legal assistance.

Hussain also reviewed the pendency and disposal of cases with Commission and District Consumer Forums. Around 6,000 fresh cases are registered per year in the Commission and various District Consumer Forums and around 7,000 cases are disposed by them. However, there are about 18,000 pending cases.

The Consumer Affairs department is in the process of devising a strategy for disposal of pending cases.

It was informed that early disposal would require additional commitment of manpower, space, financial resources etc. and it would seem appropriate to devise a strategy/plan fixing a one year target for the disposal of pending cases.

Hussain directed for expeditious working on a proposal in this regard.