The Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey also participated in the event.

The Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated the National Consumer Day 2021 with the theme “Consumer – Know your Rights” 

In his inaugural address, SGoyal emphasized on Protection of Consumer Rights and ensuring Quality to Consumers.

“Under leadership of Prime Minister, following the mantra of ‘Consumer is King’, we have transitioned from ‘Consumer Protection’ to ‘Consumer Empowerment & Prosperity’, he said adding on that the consumers should demand good quality and should demand for protection of their rights.

He said that since ancient times, Consumer protection has been an integral part of the governance.  “Tomorrow (December 25) is the birthday of former PM, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee which is also observed as the Good Governance Day. When we talk of Good Governance, the consumers-which includes 135 crore citizens are driving “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by being ‘Vocal for Local’,” he said.

He mentioned that the he demand by consumers for high quality products have spurred Indian companies to be bigger & better and the focus of the companies should be on quality. He said, “India should take lead in One Nation One Standard,” emphasizing that Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is already working on standard setting and ensuring quality standards for consumers.

He added that it’s a myth that quality means high price of the product. “I know that good quality means good manufacturing practices which lowers rejection rate and increases demand which in turn increase scale of operation,” he said.

He stressed on simplifying procedures of filing complaints thereby ensuring time-bound redressal of the complaints. “By bringing stakeholders under one roof, the Hallmarking and Essaying was simplified. Similar steps should be taken,” he added.

He said that the Centre has set the tone for a more strong & vibrant consumer regime with 5 major initiatives: Direct Selling Rules, Mediation Rules, Misleading Advt Guidelines, etc. LM (Packaged Commodities) Rules which provides easy price comparison of commodities.

There’s proposed Decriminalisation   of LM   Act    to protect consumer interest & reduce harassment, E-commerce Rules to protect interest of consumers, Hallmarking has provided consumers   with long-due right to Quality, Purity & transparency and lastly Focus on Quality. 

The Union Minister said that E-Daakhil Portal has facilitated online filing of complaint by providing a hassle-free, speedy and inexpensive facility to consumers around the country to conveniently approach the relevant consumer Commissions, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present to file their grievance.

E-Daakhil has been especially instrumental during the Covid-19 pandemic when movement and travel was restricted in view of health concerns. Today 544 Consumers Commissions are equipped with efiling facilities across the country and more than 11000 cases have been filed online

He said that “Under PM’s leadership, drinking water is being supplied to each household. This increases our responsibility.

On the lines of Mobile Van flagged today for Drinking Water Testing, BIS and NTH can take charge of the testing and provide such a facility in each district. Later, drinking water testing facility may be provided in at least 10,000 places,” he said.

He requested traders and manufacturers to support in the implementation of Quality Control Order (QCO) esp in key household goods like Helmets, Pressure cookers and Cooking gas cylinders.

Three E-Books namely, Landmark Judgments on Consumer Law and Practice, Handbook on Mediation under Consumer Protection Act 2019 and Handbook on E-filing before Consumer Redressal Commission were virtually inaugurated.