Don’t harm federal structure: Satpathy

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New Delhi: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Thursday said some provisions of the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 are in conflict with federal system of the country and alleged that the Centre is trying to snatch the power of state governments.
Speaking on behalf of the party in the Lok Sabha, Dhenkanal MP Tathagata Satpathy said the provisions of this Bill are harming the federal system of the country.
“The Bill has a provision which empowers the Union government to appoint members in the district and state courts. This is against the federal system. The members in district and state courts should be nominated by the state governments. Do not harm the federal structure,” Satpathy said.
He objected to excessive powers bestowed on executives to frame rules and regulations. He also asked the Centre to clarify on the eligibility to become a member of the commission.
The BJD MP also sought the need of post-legislation impact assessment system. Citing GST reforms, he said, “We are unable to find out the impact of the Bill after passing it. The GST and demonetisation have crippled the economy. We don’t have sunset provision in the Bill. There should be a sunset provision so that the law should come for review in this House, say in five years, so that we can assess its impact and make amendments accordingly.”
Notably, the Consumer Protection Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha, replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It enforces consumer rights, and provides a mechanism for redressal of complaints regarding defect in goods and deficiency in services.
The Bill laid provisions of setting up Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions at the District, State and National levels for adjudicating consumer complaints.
It also sets up a Central Consumer Protection Authority to promote, protect and enforce consumer rights as a class. It can issue safety notices for goods and services, order refunds, recall goods and rule against misleading advertisements.