Haryana to set up more consumer clubs in Govt schools

Chandigarh, Mar 15 (UNI) To create awareness about the rights of consumers amongst the students, the Haryana Government is considering a proposal to expand the network of consumer clubs by setting up such clubs in 115 more government schools in six districts of Bhiwani, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Fatehabad and Kaithal.

This was stated by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in a message issued here on Consumer Rights Day.

Mr Hooda said that the state government had already set up consumer clubs in 135 government schools in six districts of Mahindergarh, Hisar, Sirsa, Jind, Gurgaon and Rohtak. A Rs 50 lakh consumer welfare fund has also been established in the state, he added.

"We all are consumers in one way or the other. The manufacturers or service providers too are consumers of various products.

Therefore, in case the manufacturers, service providers and consumers understand their mutual dependence on each other, adulteration and goods with manufacturing defects will be the things of the past," The Chief Minister said.

He appealed to all consumers to be aware of their rights and take the advantage of Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which had been enforced in the state.

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan, who holds the portfolio of Food and Supplies, said that the Consumer Protection Act was being strictly implemented in the state. Apart from the private sector, public and government sector also fall under its ambit.

He said that the Act provides for compensating the consumers and also stresses on quick redressel of their grievances economically and in a simple manner.

District consumer fora have been set up to safeguard the interest of consumers and they have the right to give decision on the cases involving compensation of upto Rs 20 lakh. Similarly, the State level consumer forum is competent to decide the cases of compensation ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs one crore. Also, it has been empowered to hear appeals against the decisions of district fora, Mr Mohan said.

UNI PS JMK1441