Consumer Policy

The State Government has proposed an ambitious action plan as part of its policy initiatives which include:

  • Operating a State level Consumer Information Centre

  • Conducting Consumer Education programmes through AIR, TV and pint media

  • Spreading awareness among children through formation and promotion of consumer clubs in Educational Institutions

  • Regular conducting of seminars, workshops and interactions with Voluntary Consumer Organisations, Service providers stake holders on consumer issues

  • Legal intervention on behalf of consumers in important issues to protect their interests as contemplated under Consumer Protection Act, 1986

  • Quality testing of product and services to assess and to initiate remedial measures for any unfair trade practices and issue alerts

  • Sustainable consumption campaign amongst all segments of the public

ORGANIZATION

The State Government has allocated the responsibility of Consumer Protection to the Ministry of Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection headed by Secretary to Government, Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection Department, under the charge of Hon’ble Minister for Food & Consumer Protection. The Ministry is responsible for laying down policy for the functions of the Department of Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection functioning under the leadership of Principal Commissioner assisted by one Joint Commissioner, one Deputy Commissioner, one Assistant Commissioner. A separate section viz. "Consumer Protection Section" headed by a Superintendent with 4 Assistants works in the Office of the Commissioner, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department situated at Ezhilagam Main Building, 4th Floor, Chepauk, Chennai-5.

At District level the District Supply Officer of districts other than Chennai and Deputy Commissioners of Chennai District have been designated as District Supply and Consumer Protection Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Officer (Chennai) respectively and doing the Consumer awareness and education programmes as per the policy laid down by Government of Tamil Nadu.

A State level Consumer Protection Council, as defined in Consumer Protection Act, 1986 has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Honorable Minister for Food & Consumer Protection.

At district level the District Consumer Protection Council functions as per Consumer Protection Act, 1986 with District Collector as Chairperson. Both the councils are having Service providing Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Voluntary Consumer Organisations, Public Representatives etc. as its members. Regular meetings are being conducted in order to discuss and to decide on the modalities for improved Government Services besides finding out measures for protecting rights of consumers from unethical trade practices. The District Administration works in close co-ordination with Voluntary Consumer Associations, consumer clubs, self help groups, etc., in achieving organizational mission and objectives.

The State Government is assisted financially as well as technically by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.