Indian Minister praises University's role in consumer protection
Shri Raosaheb Dadarao Danve, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, is currently heading a high-powered delegation to Australia for talks on the聽Collaborative Consumer Project.
The project, led by the Business School鈥檚 , brings together Australian and Indian experts in a joint effort to strengthen consumer protection in聽one of the world鈥檚 largest and most complex economic, commercial and social environments.
Launched in New Delhi last year, the project is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade鈥檚 Australia India Council, also includes the Australian Competition Consumer Commission, NSW Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs Victoria.聽 聽聽
Consumer protection is the mark of a mature economy and this university is very proud of the role that we have played.
University of Sydney鈥檚 Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Garton and Professor Gail Pearson welcome Indian Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Raosaheb Dadarao Danve to the University.
Speaking during a meeting at the with academics and researchers from across the University, Shri Danve described the project as 鈥渁 great exchange between two excellent nations鈥� which would significantly benefit the Indian people.
鈥淭he government of India is committed to improving consumer awareness and the wellbeing of the consumers of India by empowering them with consumer rights under the country鈥檚 new Consumer Protection Act,鈥� the Minister said.聽
Detailing the Act the Minister said it addressed the e-commerce sector, 鈥渨hich is presenting challenges in various parts of the world鈥�, and allowed for 鈥渃onsumer complaints to be lodged electronically from any part of India ensuring the speedy delivery of justice鈥�.
The visit by the Indian delegation聽is seen as a significant development in the University of Sydney鈥檚 efforts to strengthen relations with India鈥檚 business and educational sectors.
University of Sydney鈥檚聽聽told the Indian visitors that the University 鈥渨ould like to continue to play a role in improving the economic, political, cultural and social relationships between our two countries鈥�.
鈥淚n the Collaborative Consumer Project we have found a perfect combination where academic research and teaching has come together with government to develop legislation for the common good,鈥� Professor Miles said.
鈥淐onsumer protection is the mark of a mature economy and this university is very proud of the role that we have played, particularly Professor Gail Pearson, in partnership with you and your department in setting up this consumer protection.鈥�
鈥淲e are engaging with India because we know how important India is to our future,鈥� said Professor Pearson ahead of the delegation鈥檚 arrival.
鈥淚ndia鈥檚 economy is being transformed and it has a very large and skilled population.鈥�
鈥淐onsumer protection is essential for a successful and competitive economy because it means that companies can compete equally on the basis of meeting consumer needs,鈥� she said.
In addition to the Minister聽of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the high-level Indian delegation included:
- Shri Amit Mehta, Joint Secretary, Consumer Affairs
- Shri G.C.Rout, Deputy Secretary, Consumer Affairs