Standing Committee Report on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Standing Committee Report on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2024-25) Released: Key Highlights and Recommendations

Key Highlights:

1. Strengthening of Consumer Commissions (SCC) Scheme:
   Persistent vacancies at both State and District Consumer Commissions are significantly affecting the effectiveness of the scheme. Out of 36 sanctioned posts for Presidents of State Commissions, 18 (50%) remain vacant.

2. Consumer Welfare Fund (CWF):
   Only 71.5% of the Revised Estimates (RE) for 2024-25 allocated to the CWF have been utilized.

3. Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) Disbursement:
   The disbursement of funds under the PSF to various states and key agencies like NAFED and Kendriya Bhandar has been inconsistent.

4. Computerization & Networking of Consumer Commissions:
   The expansion of computerization has improved case management, reduced delays, and enhanced access to justice.

5. Time Standardization Issues:
   Currently, Indian Standard Time is not being mandatorily adopted by all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The lack of uniform time across systems creates challenges for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in investigating cybercrimes.

Key Recommendations:

1. Fill Vacant Posts in Consumer Commissions:
   Immediate action should be taken to ensure that States and Union Territories prioritize filling the vacant posts within a defined timeframe.

2. Streamline Fund Release Process:
   A more efficient fund release process should be implemented to minimize delays in disbursement and ensure the uniform distribution of funds.

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