CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT VERY POOR

Involvement of Indians on critical consumer-related issues is very low compared to United States and many European nations, a not-for-profit portal managed by leading consumer organisations said here today. "Despite giving a legal face to the Indian consumer by legislating the Consumer Protection Act 1986 (CPA) 27 years ago and several consumer awareness initiatives organised by the Ministry of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Department of Consumer Affairs, the involvement of Indian consumers on critical issues is very low compared to USA and European countries, where a majority of consumers are associated with the NGOs on a large scale," Consumer Conexion said in a release issued here. Managed by leading consumer organisations, Consumer Conexion, started their Mumbai operations today by launching a website. Bejon Misra, Founder of the Consumer Online Foundation pointed out that whether it is faulty products causing injury, utility service providers ignoring complaints or irresponsible lending by banks, better consumer protection is always part of the solution. "In India, Consumer Protection Policies are less prevalent compared to advanced countries, with a percentage ratio of between 80-90 per cent deficiency, which adds to the cost of products and services paid by consumers, either out-of-pocket or through tax payers' kitty," he said.