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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Mandatory Standards in health and food sector

Chandigarh: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan said the central government has taken a number of initiatives for the protection of consumers’ interests.

Speaking at the Regional Editors’ Conference in Chandigarh on Tuesday Paswan said the health and food sectors shall have to follow mandatory quality standards such as precious metals like gold and silvers having hallmark to wear for the larger interests of consumers.

Charging over MRP is unfair trade practice, Paswan said and expressed the hope that the new Consumer Protection Act will effectively check that. This effective provision has been proposed in the new Consumer Protection Act. It will enable consumers to file complaints online in Consumers Courts,he added.

New Bureau of Indian Standards Act has been enacted for this purpose and rules are being framed. Consumer awareness is of paramount importance for safeguarding their interests.

Over 81 crore people are getting subsidized food grains i.e .Rs. 2/kg wheat and 3/kg rice under National Food Security Act. These incentives given to farmers will increase the availability of the produce soon. The states are being provided pulses at subsidised rates from this stock.