India's parliamentary committees are tackling various consumer protection issues to ensure a safer and more sustainable future. Two key committees, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution are driving these initiatives. These two parliamentary panels have taken up critical consumer protection issues, including sugar content in packaged baby foods, rising medicine prices, and safeguarding consumer rights in the banking sector.
Key Concerns:
Excessive sugar levels in baby products
Lack of stringent regulations in packaged food industry
Impact on infant health and well-being
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, chaired by DMK leader Kanimozhi, will analyze regulation of packed commodities, focusing on sugar content in baby products and other food items.
Packaged food industry lacks stringent regulations, leading to high sugar content in baby foods. The Parliamentary Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers, chaired by Trinamool Congress leader Kirti Azad, will investigate price rises of medicines, self-sufficiency in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) production, and regulatory authorities' performance..
High sugar content in baby foods is alarming. We will examine existing regulations and recommend stricter standards to safeguard infant healthKanimozhi, Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee
As per reports, India's pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in API production, leading to dependence on imports and price fluctuations.
The Committee on Consumer Affairs will also examine ethanol and biofuel production, role of Bureau of Indian Standards in upholding quality and standards, and expanding National Test House's role in testing and calibration. . Additionally, consumer complaints against banks have risen significantly, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards.
The committees are investigating ways to ensure the availability of essential commodities, and reduce food grain waste in storage facilities. They aim to optimize foodg rain transportation through railways and modernize the Public Distribution System.
Additionally, the committees are focusing on environmental concerns, including setting up plastic waste management centers and minimizing plastic use nationwide.
Committee's Objectives:
Regulate packed commodities, focusing on sugar content in baby products
Ensure safer food options for infants and children
Protect consumers from misleading labeling and advertising
According to these review data from committee's efforts demonstrating India's commitment to protecting consumer interests and promoting sustainable development. They are also exploring ways to boost banking rights. To uphold quality standards, the committees are examining the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards and expanding the National Test House's testing and calibration capabilities.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)