Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the newly constructed Dharwad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission building in Dharwad on Sunday. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the newly constructed Dharwad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission building in Dharwad on Sunday.
“Protection of consumer rights is of utmost importance. The Union government is taking all necessary measures to protect consumer rights,” the minister said.
He said that the Union Government is using the latest technological tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning to protect the rights of consumers.
He stated that the system for recording consumer complaints has been simplified. Complaints can now be filed from anywhere in the country.
“In fact, complaints can be filed in any Indian language with the help of ChatGPT,” he said.
He said that measures are being taken to ensure speedy justice for the consumers. “Transparency is being ensured with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. While the Union government is providing funds for the construction of consumer commission buildings, it will be helpful if the state government also extends the grants,” he said.
Mr. Joshi said strict action is being initiated against companies that cheat consumers.
“Consumer protection depends on the awareness and vigilance of the consumers themselves. Efforts are being made to raise public awareness about consumer rights,” he said.
The Dharwad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has earned a reputation as one of the most active commissions in the country. As of October 2025, the commission registered 12,779 cases, of which 12,067 were resolved.
“The commission is working effectively to ensure speedy justice for consumers,” he said.
MLA Arvind Bellad urged various judicial authorities to ensure speedy justice. “I believe that the judiciary needs self-control and reform. In several cases, people are forced to wait for justice for decades. Citizens expect quick disposal of cases and serious consideration and concrete steps are needed in this direction,” he said.
“If cases are resolved quickly, more people will approach the courts for justice. Sometimes, due to such delays, some litigants prefer to settle their disputes out of court,” the MLA said.
State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission chairman VG Shivashankare Gowda demanded that the state government release adequate funds for the commission so that the commission and its units can function from their own buildings.
“The amount of financial aid should also be increased,” he said.
He said that four commission benches and 33 district commissions were functioning across the state.
He said that the new building in Dharwad was constructed at a cost of ₹ 1.25 crore and that it was fully funded by the Union Government.
District Commission Chairperson Ishappa Bhute welcomed the gathering.
The event was jointly organized by the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Department of Legal Metrology, District Administration and Bar Association.
Published – 9 Nov 2025 19:02 IST
