Consumer rights in peril

During the recent drive against adulterated food and substandard commodities we saw the contemptible low levels of production and manufacturing standards being in vogue. Several hotels, restaurants and bakeries were found serving up daily fare to the unsuspecting consumers which demonstrated scant respect the producers and service outlets have for the health and welfare of the consumers.

To the consumers the recent drive against the unscrupulous tradesman is indeed a very welcome measure that most feel should have happened much sooner. But, better now than not at all.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

But a mobile court campaign is an exercise that had to be undertaken because of the fact that things had gone too far. Although they must continue in some form or the other, yet with the level of manpower we have, the pitch of activity can hardly be sustained for long. Given their nature, many of our traders are likely to go back to their devious methods of harming the health of consumers, once the intensity of the drive reduces.

There is need for a permanent solution in respect of all aspects of consumer rights. We feel that the government should address the matter in two ways. It must first legislate relevant laws for the protection of the rights of the consumers. We understand that such legislation has been under preparation for almost a decade. The draft must see the light of the day without further delay wherein there must be adequate provision for severe punishments of the unscrupulous traders.

Supervision is a constant process without which necessary standard cannot be maintained. Thus the primary supervisory agency, the DCC and the BSTI which are currently inadequately staffed must be provided with more qualified manpower and other logistics.

Concurrently, there is also the need to raise awareness of the consumers, of their rights, so that they can stand up against anyone not delivering what they are paying for.