The Hindu : National : Role for IITs, IIMs in promoting consumer rights

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Sunday, Sep 25, 2005

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Role for IITs, IIMs in promoting consumer rights

Special Correspondent

Steps taken for a convergent approach

NEW DELHI: The Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs has decided to rope in leading Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institutes of Management to promote consumer protection.

It is felt that as future leaders in trade and industry, these institutions are in a position to influence corporate policy by highlighting the need for establishing effective in-house or informal grievance redress systems.

This and other strategies to involve institutions of repute to make effective contribution for better protection of consumer rights was highlighted here on Friday at a National Conference on Protection of Consumer Interest: Need for a Convergent Approach organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The Ministry has chalked out measures to evolve a convergent approach in consumer protection by drawing up a responsive and pro-active consumer protection regime in the country. These include: creation of market conditions that promote competition in the public and private sectors; promotion of ethical conduct and responsiveness of traders and service providers; elimination of unfair and restrictive trade practices, sensitisation of trade and industry and service providers to consumer interest; facilitating participation of consumer groups in the decision-making process at Central, State and local governments so as to provide effective representation to consumer interests etc;

IIPA involved

According to Alka Sirohi, Additional Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Government had already associated the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) to involve research institutions, universities and colleges by analysing research proposals for consumer welfare from premier institutions. IITs, IIMs and other leading institutions can influence corporate policies in ensuring social responsibilities, she said.

On the occasion it was also suggested that premier institutions should involve themselves in coordination with NGOs in the task of improving the quality of products. The Department should consider the creation of chairs in such institutions in the area of consumer protection, she said.

The Conference was attended by representatives from IIMs, IITs, leading hospitals, consumer organisations medical colleges and research institutions.

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