Government committed to protecting consumer rights: A.P. Civil Supplies Minister

Minister Manohar inaugurates new District Consumer Redressal Forum bench, emphasizing consumer rights protection and legal action against deceivers.

VIJAYAWADA

Minister for Civil Supplies, Food and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar inaugurated an additional bench of the District Consumer Redressal Forum, at the Bezawada Bar Association (BBA) office premises here on Monday. 

On the occasion, Mr. Manohar said that Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) has been a leader in resolving consumer disputes and paying compensation to the aggrieved. A substantial number of the total 1,33,736 cases filed in consumer forums across the State have been disposed of. 

He asserted that the government was committed to protecting consumer rights and it was creating awareness about the principle that buyers alone are responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before purchasing them. For this purpose, a digital campaign will soon be launched in schools and colleges.

The Minister said that legal action will be taken against anyone deceiving the consumers by selling substandard goods or items that outlived their utility. He pointed out that cases involving up to ₹50 lakh value could be filed in the District Consumer Forums, while those up to ₹2 crore can be registered in the State Forum. 

Civil Supplies Commissioner Saurabh Gaur, Vijayawada Additional Consumer Bench Forum Chairman Ch. Kishore and member K. Sasikala, BBA general secretary A. Siva Rama Prasad and president K. Chandramouli, A.P. Bar Council member Ch. Ajay Kumar and others were present.