Establishing a Consumer Affairs division/vertical within the Industry Body, initiating advocacy action against unfair trade practices and preventing fake, counterfeit and sub-standard products and services and adoption of voluntary standards by Industry members have been agreed upon in MoUs.
Earmarking of CSR funds for consumer awareness and protection activities, partnering with the National Consumer Helpline and State Consumer Helplines for grievance redressal; launching a joint consumer awareness, education and training programmes will also be taken up by the industry as per MoUs signed. A Joint Working Group will monitor the implementation of the agenda.
MoUs were signed in the presence of Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan during the celebration of the World Consumer Rights Day organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
A self-regulatory Code of ethical business conduct released on the occasion by Paswan, covers six broad principles to be adopted by the Industry on safety of products and services, building sustainable supply chains, marketing products ethically, non-indulgence in unfair trade practices, complying with competition and anti-trust laws & prompt response to consumer complaints.