Union Minister for Consume Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on Wednesday (19 February) said that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) will be set up by the first week of April this year, reports News On Air.

The CCPA to be set up under Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2019, will address issues related to consumer rights, unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements and impose penalties for selling spurious and adulterated products.

Briefing reporters in New Delhi after interaction with industry bodies on the roles and functions of CCPA, Mr Paswan said, an investigative wing will be formed under the aegis of the authority and it will carry out inquiries in matters related to unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.

“The district collectors have also been empowered to conduct investigations that affect interests of consumer as a class under CPA 2019, under the aegis of CCPA,” said a statement by Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Paswan also said the rules related to Consumer Protection Act will be finalised within one and half months.

The Minister asserted that protecting the interest of consumers is paramount for the government. During the meeting with industry bodies, Mr. Paswan also stressed on the need to regulate e-commerce and direct selling as there is no regulatory body for these sectors right now.

The establishment of a central authority and initiating action as a class comes as an additional mode of relief which can be exercised along with individual consumers filing complaints to address their grievances thereby having two parallel proceedings, the statement said.