PANJIM: O Heraldo’s extensive reportage on the maggot-infested rice fiasco finally caught the attention of the authorities with the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Naik on Monday stating that flying squads comprising State Consumer Protection Council members will be constituted to keep a check on violation of consumer rights in the State.
Ravi made this statement after chairing the first meeting of the 34-member State Consumer Protection Council held at the Secretariat, Porvorim.
The minister emphasised the importance of raising awareness about consumer rights among both Goan residents and visiting tourists. This move aims to empower consumers and ensure their protection in the marketplace, he said.
The minister also announced that a sub-committee will be formed soon to hear the consumer complaints.
Secretary (Civil Supplies) Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS highlighted the fundamental accountability of all departments that interact with the public.
He underscored the collective responsibility in upholding and safeguarding consumer rights, emphasising the need for every department to contribute actively in this endeavour.
The meeting discussed ways and means of enhancing public understanding of consumer rights and protection, using social media and other communication channels to educate the public about recent changes in various consumer-related Acts, streamlining complaint filing or documents, creation of dedicated platforms to assist local consumers with e-filing, training programmes, establishing sub-committees for the prompt resolution of public grievances etc.
During the meeting, the officials of Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Legal Metrology, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) presented insightful discussions on topics such as the Consumer Protection Act 2019, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Legal Metrology and Packaged Commodities Rules, and the BIS Act. Through these presentations, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of recent legislative changes and their implications.
It was also decided to celebrate Consumer Literacy Day on September 8.
This will coincide with the International Literacy Day.Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Gopal Parsekar was also present.
It is pertinent to note that O Heraldo in its extensive reportage had exposed the maggot-infested rice supplied by the Civil Supplies Department to various fair price shops in South Goa district which was later distributed to the ration card holders. Aggrieved over the supply of the maggot-infested rice, the card holders had complained that the rice was unfit for human consumption and that they were forced to cook the rice to feed their pets.
However, O Heraldo’s reportage compelled the authorities to supply clean rice to ration cardholders by replacing the infested rice and also forced the government to fumigate the department godowns.