The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has asked the government to ensure states and districts fill up of vacant positions in Consumer Commissions. It has also recommended full and efficient utilisation of funds for consumer awareness programmes and the National Consumer Helpline . 

It noted that out of the 36 sanctioned posts of President of State Commissions, 18 posts are vacant, and out of 161 sanctioned posts, only 100 members are in position. At the district levels too, there are 433 vacant member positions. Stating that these vacancies contribute to significant capacity constraints, in its report it recommended that Department of Consumer “to take immediate and proactive steps to ensure that States and UTs prioritise filling these vacant posts within a fixed time-frame and the Committee may be apprised accordingly.”

 “The Committee notes that the allocation of funds under the Consumer Awareness (Advertising and Publicity) program has declined in recent years in comparison to 2022-23, while the budget for the scheme remaining stagnant at ₹17.99 crore since 2023-24. The actual expenditure for 2023-24 was ₹24.55 crore, representing a 136.59 per cent increase over Revised Estimates,” it added. 

It said that DoCA  needs to enhance its outreach to consumers through various channels such as social media, regional languages and digital campaigns. “The Committee recommends that the Department assess the impact metrics of its ads to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in reaching underserved and remote regions, including rural areas and ensure that the funds allocated for consumer awareness are used effectively and reach the widest audience possible,” it added in its report.

There has also been significant increase in consumer complaints, from 54,516 in 2020 to 1,11,951 in 2024. It has therefore recommended to improve the efficient use of allocated funds to National Consumer Helpline and also allocate additional resources to expand language support and increase the helpline workforce.

The Committee has also asked DoCA to take steps to enhance the accessibility of hallmarking services and further strengthen the gold certification system. It also believes that there is a need to expand the network of Gold Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) particularly in underserved and rural areas, 

Published on March 14, 2025