‘New Consumer Act’ is in process; stronger grievance redressal mechanisms soon: PM Modi assures

New Delhi, October 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, talking at the inauguration of the International Conference on Consumer Protection, said that the government is drafting a new consumer protection law to empower consumers and promised strict guidelines on misleading advertisement.

"The government's priority to consumer protection is in line with our resolve of New India, we'll change it to consumer prosperity on our way ahead. A central consumer regulatory authority will also be set up," he added.

PM Modi inaugurated an International Conference on Consumer Protection for East, South and South-East Countries. The theme is "Empowering Consumers in New Markets". The conference is being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

He further said, there is a need to move ahead from only consumer protection towards best consumer practices and consumer prosperity. He said the focus of his government is on consumer empowerment and ensuring consumer faces no difficulties.

On the recent implementation of GST, the PM remarked, “Due to GST, the various indirect and hidden taxes have ceased to exist. The biggest beneficiaries of GST will be the consumers, middle class. A new business culture has been started after the GST and consumer will be most benefited.”

Meanwhile, food and consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said, the upcoming Consumer Protection Bill will be a revolutionary Bill. The Minister equated ISI trademark with international standard.