Govt keen to strengthen hands of consumers: Pulla Rao

Vijayawada: Civil Supplies Minister Prathipati Pulla Rao on Thursday said that State Government was keen on strengthening the hands of consumers and was striving to implement proper weight, measures, packing and pricing of products for the benefit of the general public.

Speaking at the National Consumer’s Day celebrations at Sub-Collector’s office here, he said stern action would be taken on cheating in weight, pricing, false packaging and selling of cheap and adulterated products.

He warned that no one should sell more than the MRP, and products shall not be sold after its expiry date. He said surprise checks will be conducted on the shops to keep them alert.

He said the department was able to tackle the weight issue concerning gas cylinders and said that consumer should question against wrongful acts by the traders.

He said the department was able to rectify cheating in gold measurements to a greater extent.

He said several consumer forums across 13 districts were contributing to strengthen the hands of the department and consumers.

They also conducted essay and elocution competitions to school and college children in English, Telugu, and Urdu and gave cash prizes.

Competitions on consumer rights were conducted and gave Rs 7000 to first, Rs 5000 to second and Rs 3000 to the third prizes to the winners. A sum of Rs 1.8 lakh was given as prizes, he added.

The department also organised an exhibition displaying various weights and measurements and other gadgets used by the department.