New Delhi: The Indian government has issued a stern directive to state governments, urging them to expedite the appointment process for a staggering 663 vacancies across state and district consumer commissions. This call to action comes amidst growing concerns that the increasing number of unfilled positions is jeopardizing consumer rights protection efforts nationwide.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, during a recent review meeting with state officials, expressed “deep concern” over the escalating vacancy situation. Official data paints a worrying picture: as of October 2024, 18 president and 56 member positions remain vacant in state commissions. The situation at the district level is even more dire, with 162 president and 427 member posts awaiting appointments.
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“Swift action is crucial to ensure timely and efficient handling of consumer disputes,” Khare asserted during the meeting, underscoring the vital role of fully functional consumer commissions in safeguarding consumer rights. She urged state representatives to prioritize these appointments and leverage provisions within the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to manage caseloads effectively while vacancies are being filled.
State officials acknowledged the urgency, concurring that prompt appointments are essential to prevent hearing delays and mitigate the growing backlog of consumer cases. This collaborative effort between the Centre and state governments signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening consumer protection mechanisms across India.
