Webinar on “New Features of Consumer Protection Act 2019”

New Delhi: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with Consumer organizations and IAPO virtually launched the HumaraAYUSH.org portal which will be for the first time in the world, a portal meant for citizens to know more about AYUSH and its benefits. The portal will enable citizens to access credible information about AYUSH to build the trust and assured quality of products and services made available to them. The portal has been launched on the occasion of National Consumer Day in a webinar organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on “New Features of Consumer Protection Act 2019” with Mr. Arun Singhal, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, Govt. of India and other industry experts.

Mr. Arun Singhal gave a brief overview about FSSAI initiatives to protect the consumers by incorporating Ayurveda to shaping our food choices assures full support to the consumers by empowering them on making the healthy choice of food products as per FSSAI Safety and Quality Standards. He also mentioned that FSSAI is drafting regulations on Ayurveda Aahar. He discussed about the Health Ministry’s robust surveillances to creating transparent and accountable manufacturing, warehousing, and distributing processes to provide the best quality affordable products. He emphasized that consumer organizations need to work cohesively with food authorities to empower and enlighten consumers.

Mr. L. Mansingh, IAS Retd. Former Secretary to GOI, Chairman Consumer Online Foundation discussed the challenges faced in laying down standard uniform regulations throughout states and central government to cater to consumer rights and protection. He shared his views on the new Consumer Protection Act that aims to provide clarity and speed amongst dispute resolution in comparison to the previous act.

Mr. Prafull D. Seth, Former VP, FIP, WG Member Mahamana Declarations on AYUSH (MDoA) Vadodara, Gujarat emphasized the need for substantial improvement in the services provided in the government hospitals. He suggested that accreditation of NABH in the government hospitals will provide encouragement, confidence, and an overall perception about the quality of products and services available in the hospitals.

Mr. Robert Johnstone, EU Representative for the International Alliance of Patients’ Organisations (IAPO), London, UK discussed the importance of the inaugurated portal and the rights enforced to consumers. He deliberated about attaining gradual sustainability throughout his visits to India and as an Ambassador of Ayurveda enlightened about the benefits of Indian Traditional Remedies and Healthcare along with appreciating portal’s reach o enable interactions with hospitals, manufacturers, and others.

Prof. Yogesh Pratap Singh, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), National Law University Odisha (NLUO) discussed the Salient Features of CPA 2019 which included speedy dispute settlements and penalties and inclusion of E-commerce. He mentioned that the new law empowers rapidly developing digital transactions; structural changes for Consumer Protection Authority rights to discontinue unsafe practices, empowering commissions, and speedy dispute resolution mechanisms to rule orders. He also mentioned that the step of enabling consumers to file electronic complaints and video hearings was a significant move and addressed new regulations on e-commerce activities pertaining to their credentials and certifications.

Mr. V. K. Somasekhar, TRUSTEE Grahak Shakti, Bengaluru, Karnataka highlighted the role of consumer organizations in the present setup post-New Consumer Protection Act, 2019. He mentioned that the New Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is a boon and a version of AtmaNirbhar Bharat that will focus on the advancement in technology and new dimensions of engagement. He emphasized that the consumer movement needs to gear up to build capacity engagements.

Dr. Darlando Thanmi Khathing, Vice-Chancellor of North East Christian University (NECU) Nagaland highlighted the importance and pursuit of sustainable products and manufacturing, which needs to be looked at more seriously with the new provision of product liability in CPA 2019.

Mr. Pradeep Multani, Senior Vice President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his welcome remarks deliberated about the goal objectives of Consumer Affair and Public Health Committee gave a brief overview about the consumer protection act which strengthen the legal and policy framework towards achieving the better protection of the consumer in India and bringing new dimensions on ethical business practices and consumer protection.

Dr. Mahesh Gupta, Former President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry threw light on the disagreements to Consumer’s Law of 1986 and improvised amendments to establish Buyer’s market instead of the seller’s market in the new Law. He mentioned that the Law is towards people selling products and services to meet statutory requirements besides the prevailing competition.

Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Chairman, Consumer Affair and Public Health Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry while moderating the technical session, appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Government of India like Ayushman Bharat, allowance of FDI up to 100% under the automatic route, which will help India follow the pathways of becoming ATMANIRBHAR and a Healthcare Delivery hub of the world. Going forward, while quoting about “Jago Grahak Jago”, he stated that now Indian consumers are showing a shift from conspicuous to conscious consumption spending.

Mr. Ram Poddar, Co-Chairman, Consumer Affair and Public Health Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry while delivering a formal vote of thanks to all the delegates and participants, assured that PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry will stand in full solidarity with the government and environment to grow an eco-friendly and an ATMANIRBHAR Bharat.

The webinar was attended by around 150 delegates from across India and was supported by Consumer Online Foundation, Hamara Consumer Dost Pvt ltd., and Patient safety and access initiative of India foundation. FSSAI, National Law University Odisha (NLUO), North East Christian University (NECU) Nagaland, and IAPO, UK, lent logo support for the Webinar, The Webinar was moderated by Ms. Mallika Verma, Director & Head (Consumer Affair and Public Health Committee) and was attended by Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary-General along with Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Deputy Secretary-General, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and  many other industry stalwarts from Pan-India.