STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Governor N.N. Vohra participated in the World Consumer Rights Day celebrations, which were organised by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology, here on Tuesday.
Governor emphasised the need for sustained attention being given to all issues concerning consumer protection and safeguarding the welfare of the consumer. He noted that the existing statute and the upcoming new Central law would need to be effectively applied to protect the rights of the consumers.
Governor observed that it is of paramount importance to increase consumer awareness, adding that practical mechanisms would need to be adopted for generating consciousness among the consumers about their rights, the legal remedies and the various fora which are available for grievance redressal.
Governor complimented Minister Zulfkar Ali and the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology for taking the required decisions for ensuring availability of essential ration supplies across the State, especially to the poor and deprived sections of the population. He stressed on the importance of honesty and transparency at all levels to ensure efficiency and problem free delivery of services to the several million beneficiaries particularly the disadvantaged and depressed sections of the society.
Governor urged Minister Zulfkar Ali to expedite the processes put in place to weed out ineligible beneficiaries to ensure that they cannot avail subsidized food rations. Governor also thanked H.K Pande, Union Secretary Ministry of Consumer Affairs for Central Government’s sustained support to the requirements of the State Government.
Minister Choudhary Zulfkar Ali, in his address highlighted the series of initiatives taken by his Department for promoting people’s welfare and exhorted the people of the State to make full use of the law and aggressively assert consumers rights.
Hem Kumar Pande, Union Secretary, Ministry of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution spoke about the Consumers Rights and appreciated proactive efforts being made by the State Government.
Chander Gulhati, Managing Director National Garage and Vikram Gour, President Consumer Welfare Association also addressed the gathering.
The welcome address was given by Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Secretary of the Department while Ajay Nanda, Minister of State for Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs presented a formal vote of thanks.
Earlier, a cultural programme including a play on the consumers’ rights was presented on the occasion.
