M A I L B A G

Why consumer has failed to be the king

THIS has reference to the editorial “Consumer not the king” (June 13). The editorial says that 82 per cent of the consumers are not aware of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). This is a blessing in disguise. The other 18 per cent, who are aware of the CPA and also their rights and have approached consumer courts for redressal of their grievances, are a harassed lot as the decisions by consumer courts are neither speedy nor inexpensive.

I have filed two cases in a District Consumer Court. One of the cases which was filed in April 2002, is yet to be decided. Another one which was filed in August 1999 and decided by the District Consumer Court in January 2002, was challenged in the State Consumer Court in February 2002.

After 18 adjournments and an interval of four years, which required so many trips to Chandigarh involving a lot of expenditure and wastage of time and energy, the case is still awaiting its first hearing. It may take another five years to be finally decided by the National Consumer Court and many more years for the execution of the order.

These courts, more or less, are functioning like ordinary civil courts. There is no use of going to these courts till the amendments made are really implemented in letter and spirit which is a Herculean task in the existing circumstances.

Dr S.C. SINGHAL, Karnal

II

The consumer courts have failed because these are also manned by retired judicial officers who cannot change their fixed mindset. The procedure evolved by these presiding officers is no different from that of the civil courts.

For instance, consumer courts require the complainant to file six typed copies of the complaint along with a postal order of Rs 100. Two typed copies of written arguments should also be furnished. All this forces a person to take the help of an advocate. The time schedule for the disposal of a complaint is never adhered to, as provided for in the Consumer Protection Act. Consequently, the very purpose for which these courts have been set up is defeated.

WAZIR CHAND GUPTA, Faridkot

US troops must leave Iraq US President George Bush should order his troops to leave Iraq unconditionally on humanitarian grounds. The killings in Iraq must end as Iraqis have the fundamental right to live in their homeland without fear from the US, UK or any other European country. Similarly, peace loving countries should take serious note of the US’ recent intervention in Iran, overlooking America’s own highly developed nuclear projects. According to UN figures, about one-fifth of the world’s population or over one billion do not have even one meal a day, shelter, clothes and medicines. Why cannot big countries use the funds they deploy on nuclear projects for eliminating hunger and deprivation in the world? A.T. MATHEW, Rohini, Delhi

New IT form

One fails to understand the need for replacing the Income Tax form F2, when Saral forms are very convenient for the assesses. One will require the help of a tax consultant to fill up the new form and this involves payment of fee. Anyway, I am happy that the Centre has decided to continue Saral forms for use by certain categories of assesses including senior citizens whose income is not taxable after some benefits and exemptions. They are also left with the option of using either of the two forms.

N.C. CHOPRA, Chandigarh

II

I endorse the views in the editorial “Complicating Saral” (June 8). Notwithstanding the Centre’s decision to rescind the earlier order and allow Saral forms, the decision regarding the new form was taken in haste. The government cannot expect the common taxpayer to seek the help of tax consultants to fill up the new form. The government should try to help the people and not harass them even on a matter pertaining to tax collection.

M.L. SINHA, Banga (Nawanshahr)

Dedicated team

I have a word of appreciation for the doctors in the PGI, Chandigarh. My parents have been through a number of complicated surgeries. And each time, one has been awe-struck by the untiring efforts and compassionate attitude of the doctors treating them.

In sharp contrast is the attitude of a five-star hospital, where for a hefty fee the doctor strides in for a cursory one-minute look-over, intones the routine “eat, walk, take medicine” orders and that’s about it.

Dr IQBAL JUDGE, Chandigarh

Love of monsoon

If the monsoon fails, the Indian economy fails. This is how an eminent Indian economist has described the immense importance of a good monsoon for the country. The late James Cameron of The Guardian, in his book, Indian Summer has narrated the love and romance of the monsoon. Touch wood, weathermen have promised a good monsoon this year!

SANJEEV, Kurukshetra

Postal blues

The Nabha Post office at Anaj Mandi does not seem to be working well. The Sub Post Master has entrusted the task of maintaining the savings schemes records to an unauthorised person. Senior officials of the department should investigate and put the working of the post office in order.

JHOLOO RAM, Nabha

No revenue stamps

The Department of Post, Government of India, has stopped the sale of revenue stamps from the post offices in Haryana. The general public are finding it difficult to go to stamp vendors who are available in the mini secretariats only.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda should use his good offices and prevail upon the Centre to ensure resale of revenue stamps by the post offices in the state for the convenience of the public.

V.M. SETH, Sonepat