Why in News?

• In order to fast-track consumer grievance redressal process and provide an effective forum for consumers to give their valuable suggestions Union Minister of Consumer Affairs launched the ‘Consumer App’.

Consumer App:

• The app aims to provide a one stop solution for consumer grievance redressal at the palm of every consumer across the nation via mobile phones.
• The complaint status will be monitored on a daily basis by the ministry and on a weekly basis by the minister personally.
• The registered consumer will be informed about their complaint via SMS/E-mail with a unique number which can be tracked by the consumer.
• The knowledgebase available in the app is very useful feature that will help consumers get information pertaining to 42 Sectors including Consumer Durables, Electronic Products, e-commerce, Banking, Insurance, etc.

Grievance Redressal:

• There will be time bound resolution of all grievances and those that are simple in nature will be resolved within 20 days.Those that elicit a feedback from companies or further enquiries will be resolved within 2 months/60 days.If after 60 days the grievance is not resolved, the consumer will be advised to proceed to consumer fora.
• Also, now the consumer will be informed before closure of a complaint and if the consumer is not satisfied then the complaint will be referred further to the concerned department.