Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Highlights Consumer Protection Reforms

Union Minister of State for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal said that consumer protection has been an integral part of governance for ages in India. Participated as chief guest in the valedictory session of a three-day capacity-building training camp on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, he said, consumer protection even finds mention in our Vedas. 

Delivering the valedictory address, he highlighted that the Modi government amended the Consumer Protection Act in 2019 to align with the country’s business practices and requirements, emphasizing consumer empowerment. He further added that the government is simplifying rules to ensure that consumer grievances are addressed in a time-bound manner and at the least possible cost.

     

Emphasizing the steps taken by the government to empower customers, Mr. Meghwal mentioned that the enactment of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) ensures transparency and accountability by allowing only registered developers to seek bookings after



obtaining necessary permissions. He also informed that the capacity of the National Consumer Helpline has been increased fourfold, and approximately 40% of complaints are now automatically directed to companies through the portal, enabling quick resolution.

     

The training camp was organised by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, in collaboration with Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College at Puducherry. Presidents and members of State and District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands participated in the event.

   

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Legislative Assembly Speaker R. Selvam, Law Minister K. Lakshminarayanan, Education Minister A. Namassivayam, Madras High Court Judges Justice M. Sundar, Justice G.R. Swaminathan, Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, and Puducherry Chief Secretary Dr. Sharat Chauhan also participated in the function.