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As
we leave behind 2013 and step into the new year, let's do some
crystal gazing to see what the future holds for consumers this year.
Will it be any better than last year? Will there be some new laws to
protect consumers? Will prices come under control and provide some
relief at least this year? What are the issues that need to be
addressed by the government in order to improve the lot of consumers?
Let's try and find some answers to these questions. Well, I do believe
that 2014 will certainly be better, much better than 2013, for the
simple reason that it is an election year and so the governments, at
the centre as well as in the states, will pay more attention to what
the consumers or citizens are saying and at least now, reign in
runaway prices of essential commodities, particularly that of
vegetables. Thanks to this being the election year, I also expect the
Bill aimed at regulating the real estate sector, which is before the
Parliament, to have a smooth passage and become a law in the first
quarter of the year.
The recent elections to the Delhi assembly has also given political parties a clear indication of the mind of the electorate. Consumers no more tolerate corruption and inefficiency. The election manifesto of the Aam Admi Party, which won 28 out of 70 seats in Delhi, is a proof that most promises relate predominantly to consumer issues, particularly such as audit of power companies and the meters installed by them at the consumers' premises. One can be sure of seeing consumer rights issues in the election manifestoes of political parties this year. Corruption, hopefully, will be a major issue during the forthcoming parliamentary elections because corruption, be it in the delivery of public services or at the highest levels of governance, hurts the consumer the most. Corruption breeds inefficiency, leads to poor quality goods and services, besides rendering these goods and services, more expensive. The ultimate victim of corruption is the consumer and it is in the interest of consumers to look closely at every candidate contesting elections and reject all those tainted with the charge of corruption. Consumer issues will certainly be in the forefront this year and consumers must use this opportunity to steer political parties towards policies and programmes that are aimed at protecting the interests of consumers. A consumer organisation in Hubli, Karnataka, for example, always invites representatives of political parties to a meeting of consumers and elicits their response on a number of consumer issues and rates candidates. This helps consumers make an informed decision during the elections. Consumer groups in other parts of the country can follow a similar course. Draw up a list of consumer issues that you would like the political party or candidate to address. While there could be local issues, it is also important to bring up some general issues pertaining to consumer safety, including supply of safe water and the need for a law aimed at ensuring safety in goods, services and public places. What we need urgently, is an omnibus Consumer Rights Commission to oversee all consumer rights issues and consumers would do well to put that too in their wish list. If consumers play their cards well, this could be a happier year. Form consumer groups, prepare a wish list and start talking about it. Give your vote to only those parties and candidates that promise pro-consumer policies and that includes a corruption-free administration. That would indeed be the start of a new dawn.
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