NEW DELHI: The Centre wants state governments to end the practice of appointing politically affiliated persons, housewives and others as members in district consumer forums and state consumer commission.

The consumer affairs ministry has asked states to notify norms for selection through written tests and interviews, remuneration and service conditions for presidents and members of district consumer forums and members of state commissions. Consumer affairs minister Ram Vilas Paswan has written to all chief ministers to complete this process in the next three months, sources said.

The model rules circulated by the ministry can be emulated by states. A Supreme Court-appointed committee had reported how meagre salary for members made the job unattractive for people. There have been several instances where people affiliated to political parties have become members. In some states, part-time members of district forums get Rs 500 for each sitting.

The model rules made by the Centre has fixed minimum remuneration at Rs 2,500 per day for part-time members and Rs 3,000 per sitting for part-time presidents in case of district forums. For part-time members in state commissions, the minimum remuneration has been fixed at Rs 3,000 per day. Remuneration for full-time members has been set at par with government officers of certain level. In case of general candidates for both president and members, there will be a written test to assess the applicant’s understanding of consumers issues. For selection of members in state consumer panels, the HC will pick the president.

