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Sector-wise information/documents

Department of consumer affairs

The Department of Consumer Affairs, operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution of the Government of India, was constituted as an independent department in June 1997. Its primary mandate is to fortify consumer protection and uphold consumer rights nationwide. The Department is dedicated to promoting equitable trade practices, mitigating consumer exploitation, cultivating awareness regarding consumer rights, and optimizing grievance redressal frameworks.

Its core operational responsibilities encompass the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act, the regulation of legal metrology and packaged commodities, the price monitoring of essential goods, and the execution of consumer literacy programs. Furthermore, it exercises administrative oversight over recent statutory and regulatory bodies, including the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), and the National Test House.

Since its inception, the Department has pioneered several landmark initiatives to advance its objectives. These include the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the establishment of the CCPA, the reinforcement of consumer protection regulations within electronic commerce, and the expansion of the National Consumer Helpline. Additionally, the Department has actively countered misleading advertisements, regulated unfair trade practices, and deployed extensive public awareness campaigns, such as "Jago Grahak Jago" to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

Vision

To enable consumers to make informed choices; ensure fair, equitable and consistent outcomes for consumers; and facilitate timely and effective grievance redressal.

Mission

To empower consumers through awareness and education; enhance consumer protection and safety through progressive legislations and prevention of unfair trade practices; enable quality and quantity assurance through standards and their conformance; and ensure access to affordable and effective grievance redressal mechanisms. 

Recent Publications

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://consumeraffairs.gov.in/pages/latest-news

Central consumer protection authority

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 as India’s central regulatory body for protecting consumer rights. It was introduced as part of the new consumer protection framework to address modern consumer issues such as misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, unsafe products, and violations affecting public interest.

CCPA functions under the Department of Consumer Affairs and has powers to investigate consumer rights violations, order inquiries, and take action against manufacturers, traders, advertisers, endorsers, and service providers. It can initiate investigations on receiving complaints or on its own where unfair practices or misleading advertisements are identified.

The authority also has powers to order recall of unsafe goods, stop unfair trade practices, direct refunds, and impose penalties. It can act against misleading advertisements by ordering their withdrawal and imposing penalties on advertisers and endorsers. It also supports consumer advocacy and promotes awareness on consumer rights and safety.

Purpose

The purpose of CCPA is to protect consumer rights and prevent unfair trade practices in the marketplace. It ensures that consumers are not misled by false advertisements, unsafe products, or deceptive business practices. 

It also works to strengthen consumer trust by issuing guidelines, taking enforcement action, and ensuring accountability among businesses and service providers.

Recent Publication

The Central Consumer Protection Authority imposed a penalty of ₹7 lakh on a coaching institute for making misleading claims regarding UPSC Civil Services Examination results. The action was taken to prevent consumers from being misled by unverified success claims and to promote transparency in educational advertising. It reinforces accountability among coaching institutions and protects students from deceptive marketing practices.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority took enforcement action against coaching institutes for publishing misleading advertisements and engaging in unfair trade practices. The authority directed corrective measures and imposed penalties to safeguard consumer interests, particularly those of students and parents who rely on accurate information while selecting educational services.

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.pib.gov.in/allRel.aspx?reg=3&lang=1

Legal metrology division

Legal Metrology refers to the application of laws to measurements, weighing instruments, and packaged commodities to ensure accuracy and fairness in trade. In India, it is governed under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and functions under the Department of Consumer affairs. The system exists to protect consumers by ensuring that measurements used in buying and selling are correct and reliable. 

The purpose of legal metrology is to guarantee accuracy in weights and measurements used in markets, trade,and daily transactions. It regulates weighing instruments, measuring devices, fuel dispensers, packaged goods declarations, and quantity verification. It also helps prevent short delivery, incorrect quality claims, and unfair trade practices that may affect consumers. 

The Legal Metrology Division also oversees standards for measurements used across the country and ensures traceability of these standards. Enforcement is carried out by state governments through Controllers of legal Metrology and designated officers, who inspect measuring instruments, verify packaged goods, and take action in cases of violation. 

Purpose

The purpose of legal metrology is to ensure that consumers receive the correct quality of goods they pay for and that all measurements used and trade are accurate. It protects consumers from short weighing, incorrect package declarations, and misleading quality claims. 

It also supports fair trade by regulating weighing machines, fuel pumps, packaged commodities, and measuring devices used in commercial transactions.

Recent Publications

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website:  https://consumeraffairs.gov.in/pages/latest-news

Bureau of Indian standards

The Bureau of Indian Standards started a long time ago just before India became independent. At that time, people wanted products to be made in a uniform way so that industries could grow and consumers could remain safe. In 1946, the Industries and Supplies Department announced the creation of the Indian Standards Institution, also known as ISI. The Indian Standards Institution officially began functioning in January 1947 and initially focused on developing standards so that products could be manufactured in a uniform and reliable manner across the country.

As time passed, the Indian Standards Institution expanded its work beyond only creating standards. It wanted consumers to identify quality products easily. Therefore, in the 1950s, it introduced the Certification Marks Scheme, which allowed manufacturers to use the ISI mark on products that met prescribed standards. This helped consumers identify safe and reliable products while encouraging industries to maintain quality manufacturing practices.

With the growth of industries and consumer markets, the government recognized the need for stronger legal protection and quality regulation. As a result, the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 was enacted, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was officially established on 1 April 1987, taking over the functions of the Indian Standards Institution.

The Bureau of Indian Standards not only establishes standards but also verifies product quality and creates consumer awareness regarding safe and certified products. BIS operates important certification systems such as the ISI Mark for industrial products, the Hallmarking Scheme for gold and silver jewellery, and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronic and IT products. These certifications help consumers identify products that meet quality and safety requirements. BIS plays an important role in consumer protection by ensuring that products available in the market are safe, reliable, and standardized, thereby helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Purpose 

India's Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is essentially responsible for verifying that products manufactured in India are of a certain level of safety and quality. Standardizing industrial processes can lead to greater consistency in the same way, thus protecting consumers. For example, IS 616 governs safety requirements for audio, video, and electronic equipment, while IS 13252 applies to information technology equipment.

  • The BIS has established testing methodologies and standards to ensure that the product(s) have been tested and verified in accordance with specific requirements.
  • Another purpose of the BIS is to protect consumers from the dangers of unsafe or inferior products. The BIS does this by establishing and enforcing product standards.
  • By protecting the interests of consumers, the BIS reduces the risk of unsafe or faulty products being introduced into the marketplace.
  • The BIS also helps to develop the industrial base of the country by creating uniform standards that allow manufacturers to be more efficient and effective in their production processes.
  • Finally, the BIS has an important role in developing international trade. The products produced to established product standards will be more accepted by international businesses or countries as their quality meets or exceeds that of corresponding products.

Recent Publications 

  • Guidelines for Refund of Online Fee
    These guidelines explain when BIS fees paid online can be refunded, such as duplicate payments, excess payment due to technical errors, or withdrawal of applications before processing. It also clarifies situations where no refund will be granted.
  • Guidelines for Cancellation of Licence
    These guidelines describe when BIS can cancel a product certification licence, including non-compliance with standards, use of standard marks on unregistered goods, product non-conformity, or complaints against manufacturers.

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.crsbis.in/BIS/wtsnew.do

Food safety and standard authority of India

The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 to bring different food-related laws under one regulatory system. Earlier, food regulation in India was handled through several separate laws and departments. The Act brought these together to create a single authority responsible for food safety, making regulation more consistent and easier to implement across the country.

FSSAI functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and serves as the National body responsible for ensuring that food sold in India is safe for consumption. It sets science-based standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. The authority also works with state food safety departments to monitor compliance and enforce food safety standards. 

The creation of FSSAI replaced earlier laws such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and several product-specific control orders. This helped establish a single framework for food regulation and reduced the complexity of multiple agencies handling food-related matters. 

Vision

To build a healthier India by ensuring that citizens have access to safe and nutritious food, helping prevent food-related illnesses and supporting healthier lives.

Mission 

To set science-based food standards, promote good manufacturing and hygiene practices among food businesses, and ensure that consumers have access to safe food and informed choices.

Recent Publications 

FSSAI introduced the Food Recall functionality under FoSCoS to improve the process of identifying and removing unsafe food products from the market, thereby strengthening consumer safety and public health protection.

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official websites: https://www.fssai.gov.in; https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/notification-list

Department of food and public distribution 

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is one of India's largest food security programmes, implemented to ensure the availability of essential food commodities at affordable prices to eligible households. The system operates through a network of Fair Price Shops (FPSs), which distribute subsidised foodgrains and other essential commodities to beneficiaries.

The Public Distribution System is governed by the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which transformed food security from a welfare measure into a legal entitlement. Under the Act, up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are entitled to receive subsidised foodgrains through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The Act covers Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, with AAY families entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per month and PHH beneficiaries entitled to 5 kg per person per month.

Mission

To ensure food security by making essential commodities available at affordable prices through an accessible and efficient distribution network, particularly for economically vulnerable sections of society.

Objectives

• Eliminate chronic hunger and food insecurity.
• Protect consumers from fluctuations in the prices of essential commodities.
• Ensure timely availability of subsidised foodgrains and essential items.
• Provide easy access to Fair Price Shops for beneficiaries.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in food distribution.

Public Distribution System in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu follows a Universal Public Distribution System (UPDS), unlike most states which operate a Targeted Public Distribution System under the NFSA. Under the targeted model, beneficiaries are classified based on eligibility criteria determined by the State Government. Tamil Nadu, however, continues to retain the universal character of its PDS while implementing the provisions of the National Food Security Act.

The State distributes essential commodities through an extensive network of Fair Price Shops and issues Smart Family Cards to beneficiaries. The system is administered by the Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, with operational support from the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC), the Food Corporation of India (FCI), cooperative societies, and women self-help groups.

Key Publications

The Department of Food and Public Distribution reviewed food grain procurement operations and ongoing Public Distribution System (PDS) reforms with States and Union Territories. The meeting focused on improving efficiency, strengthening food security mechanisms, and ensuring adequate procurement and distribution of food grains for beneficiaries. 

The publication highlights major developments in food security and public distribution during 2025, including the continued implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), expansion of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, digitization of ration card services, and reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the Public Distribution System (PDS). It also outlines measures taken to support farmers through foodgrain procurement and strengthen food storage and distribution infrastructure. 

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.pib.gov.in/allRel.aspx?reg=3&lang=1

Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is a statutory body established under the Electricity Act, 2003 and functions under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It serves as the principal technical advisory organization for the power sector and is responsible for planning development of the electricity system, formulating technical standards, monitoring power projects, and advising the Central Government on matters relating to generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electricity.

The CEA plays an important role in ensuring that consumers have access to reliable, safe, and affordable electricity. It develops technical and safety standards for electrical infrastructure, promotes efficient operation of the power system, monitors electricity demand and supply, and supports measures aimed at improving the quality and reliability of electricity services across the country. Through its planning, regulatory, and advisory functions, the CEA contributes to the development of a modern and consumer-focused power sector.

Vision

To ensure reliable 24×7 power supply of adequate quality to all consumers in the country.

Mission

To achieve this vision by providing technical support to stakeholders in the power sector, assisting in policy formulation, developing technical standards and regulations, monitoring projects, disseminating power sector information, and enhancing human resource capabilities in the electricity sector. 

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is a statutory body established under The Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998 and functions under Section 76 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It operates as an independent quasi-judicial body and determines the economic rules under which power generators, transmitters, traders, and large consumers operate. Its functions also include facilitating open access to inter-state transmission and promoting inter-state electricity trading, alongside the development of a competitive power market. Additionally, the CERC works to improve access to information for all stakeholders, support the technological and institutional reforms necessary for competitive electricity markets.

In its advisory role, the CERC assists the Central Government in formulating the National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy, promoting competition, efficiency, and investment in the electricity sector, and advising on other matters referred to it.

Vision

The CERC intends to promote competition, efficiency and economy in bulk power markets, improve the quality of supply, promote investments and advise the government on the removal of institutional barriers to bridge the demand supply gap and thus foster the interests of consumers.

Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL):

The TNGECL is the state-owned utility responsible for developing and managing renewable energy generation in Tamil Nadu. Established as part of the restructuring of the state's electricity sector, TNGECL oversees hydro, wind, solar, and other green energy projects, while also promoting energy storage and sustainable power initiatives. TNGECL aims to expand Tamil Nadu's renewable energy capacity, facilitate the integration of clean energy into the power grid, and support the state's transition towards a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable electricity system.

Vision

To derive 50% of its total energy consumption from renewable sources and achieve reduction of its carbon emissions by 70% by year 2030.

Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC)

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) is an autonomous, statutory, and regulatory body constituted by the Government of Tamil Nadu and discharges its functions as mentioned in the Electricity Act, 2003. It ensures generation and distribution of electricity in the state amongst other roles. The TNERC is responsible for fixing electricity tariffs (such as domestic and industrial rates), issuing supply and distribution codes, and promoting green energy initiatives across the state. 

Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL)

Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) is the state-owned utility responsible for the distribution and supply of electricity across Tamil Nadu. It provides essential consumer services such as new electricity connections, billing and payment facilities, meter-related services, maintenance of power supply, and grievance redressal. TNPDCL works to ensure the availability of quality and reliable electricity at competitive rates while improving service delivery and expanding access to consumers throughout the state.

Recent Publications

Provides information on the rooftop solar scheme that enables residential consumers to install solar panels with government financial assistance and reduce their electricity bills. The scheme aims to promote clean energy adoption and provide households with access to affordable electricity through solar power generation.

Provides an overview of electricity generation, demand, supply, and transmission performance across India. The report helps consumers understand the country's power availability, consumption trends, and developments affecting the reliability of electricity services.

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://cea.nic.in/compendium-of-rules/?lang=en

National Medical Commission (NMC)

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the statutory body established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 and serves as the primary regulator of medical education and the medical profession in India. It is responsible for maintaining standards in medical education, regulating medical institutions and practitioners, promoting ethical medical practice, and ensuring the availability of qualified healthcare professionals across the country. The Commission also oversees the maintenance of the National Medical Register and provides an institutional framework for grievance redressal and accountability within the medical profession.

The NMC plays an important role in safeguarding consumer interests by promoting quality healthcare, enforcing professional ethics among medical practitioners, regulating medical education standards, and supporting transparency and accountability in healthcare services. Its functions contribute to ensuring that patients have access to competent, ethical, and qualified medical professionals. 

Vision and Mission

To establish a medical education and healthcare system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures the availability of competent medical professionals across the country, promotes equitable and universal healthcare, maintains high ethical standards in medical practice, encourages medical research and innovation, and provides effective grievance redressal mechanisms for matters relating to medical services and education.

Tamil Nadu Medical Council 

The Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) is a statutory body established under the Madras Medical Registration Act, 1914 responsible for the registration, licensing, and professional regulation of medical practitioners in Tamil Nadu. The Council maintains the State Medical Register, issues registration certificates and related credentials, and oversees professional conduct and disciplinary proceedings involving registered medical practitioners.

The Council plays an important role in protecting patient interests by ensuring that only qualified and duly registered practitioners are permitted to practice medicine, enforcing standards of professional ethics, addressing complaints relating to professional misconduct, and promoting continuing medical education among healthcare professionals. Through these functions, the Council contributes to maintaining the quality, accountability, and integrity of medical services within the state.

Key Publication

The National Medical Commission issued an advisory mandating the implementation of safe injection practices in healthcare institutions to prevent the transmission of blood-borne infections such HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). The advisory reinforces patient safety standards and promotes infection control measures in medical settings. 

The amendment updates the regulatory framework governing the registration and licensing of medical practitioners in India. By strengthening standards relating to professional registration and practice, the regulations help ensure that patients receive care from duly qualified and authorised medical professionals.

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.nmc.org.in/all-news/

Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India

The entry of private telecom service providers in India created the need for an independent regulator to oversee the rapidly growing communication sector. To address this, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established on 20 February 1997 under the TRAI Act, 1997. Before its creation, telecom regulation, including tariff decisions, was largely handled by the Central Government. TRAI was introduced to regulate telecom services in a more structured and independent manner. 

TRAI’s primary role is to regulate telecommunications services in India, including mobile networks, broadband, broadcasting, and other communication services. It works to ensure fair competition among service providers, maintain transparency in tariffs, and protect consumer interests in the telecom sector. Over the years, TRAI has issued regulations and directions on matters such as call charges, service quality, mobile number portability, spam communication, and digital broadcasting standards.

The TRAI Act was later amended in 2000, leading to the creation of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). This body handles disputes between service providers, licensing authorities, and consumer groups, while TRAI continues to focus on regulation and policy oversight. 

Purpose 

TRAI was established to regulate telecom services in India and ensure that communication services are accessible, fair, and efficient. It oversees matters such as tariffs, service quality, interconnection, and consumer protection in the telecom and broadcasting sectors.

It also works to create fair competition among service providers and protect consumers from issues such as misleading plans, poor service quality, and unwanted commercial communication.

Recent Publications 

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.trai.gov.in/notifications/publication

Reserve Bank Of India

Reserve Bank of India was established on 1 April 1935 under the Reserve bank of India Act, 1934. It was created as India's central bank to regulate the issue of banknotes, maintain reserves, and ensure monetary stability in the country. Its role was to manage currency and credit systems in a way that supported economic growth and financial balance. 

The Central Office of RBI was initially established in Kolkata and was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937, where it continues to function as the headquarters. Though originally privately owned, RBI was nationalised in  1949 and is now fully owned by the Government of India. 

Purpose

The purpose of RBI is to regulate India’s banking and financial system white maintaining economic stability. It manages currency circulation , controls inflation, supervises banks, regulates digital payments, and oversees credit and lending systems. 

RBI also plays an important role in consumer protection by issuing guidelines on banking safety, digital payment security, fraud prevention, and financial awareness, helping consumers use banking services more safely. 

Recent Publications

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.asp

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Of India

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is the statutory body responsible for regulating and developing the insurance sector in India. It was established in 1999 under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority act, 1999. The authority was created to oversee the insurance industry, ensure fair practices, and protect the interests of policyholders.

IRDAI regulates life insurance, health insurance, general insurance, and related services. It frames regulations for insurance companies, monitors their functioning, and ensures that insurers follow standards related to policy issuance, claim settlement, and consumer protection. Its powers are derived mainly from the IRDA Act, 1999 and the Insurance Act, 1938. 

The authority also plays an important role in making insurance services more transparent and reliable. It works to prevent fraud, improve grievance redressal, and ensure that insurance providers act fairly toward consumers.

Mission

  • To protect the interest of and secure fair treatment to policyholders .
  • To bring about speedy and orderly growth of the insurance industry (including annuity and superannuation payments), for the benefit of the common man, and to provide long term funds for accelerating growth of the economy;
  • To set, promote, monitor and enforce high standards of integrity, financial soundness, fair dealing and competence of those it regulates;
  • To ensure speedy settlement of genuine claims, to prevent insurance frauds and other malpractices and put in place effective grievance redressal machinery;
  • To promote fairness, transparency and orderly conduct in financial markets dealing with insurance and build a reliable management information system to enforce high standards of financial soundness amongst market players;
  • To take action where such standards are inadequate or ineffectively enforced;
  • To bring about optimum amount of self-regulation in day-to-day working of the industry consistent with the requirements of prudential regulation.

Recent Publications

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://irdai.gov.in/public-notices1

Securities and Exchange Board of India

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was first constituted as a non-statutory body on 12 April 1988 through a resolution of the Government of India. It was later granted statutory status under the SEBI Act, 1992, which came into force on 30 January 1992. SEBI was established to regulate the securities market in India and ensure that financial markets function in a fair and transparent manner. 

SEBI is responsible for regulating the stock market, stock exchanges, listed companies, and market intermediaries such as brokers, mutual funds, and investment advisers. It supervises activities in the capital market to protect investors and ensure that trading takes place according to established rules and regulations.

The authority also works to prevent unfair practices such as insider trading, price manipulation, fraudulent public issues, and misleading investment schemes. Through regulations and investor awareness initiatives, SEBI aims to strengthen confidence in the securities market.

Purpose 

The purpose of SEBI is to protect investors, regulate the securities market, and promote its orderly development. It frames regulations for stock exchanges, listed companies, intermediaries, and investment products to ensure transparency and accountability.

SEBI also works to prevent fraud in capital markets, improve corporate governance, and educate consumers about safe investing. Its regulations help reduce market abuse and protect individuals participating in financial investments.
 

Recent Publications

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebiweb/home/HomeAction.do?doListing=yes&sid=1&ssid=1&smid=0

 

Ministry of Civil Aviation

The Ministry of Civil Aviation was established in 1947 and is responsible for the development, regulation, and administration of civil aviation in India. It formulates policies and implements programmes related to air transport, airports, aviation safety, and regional connectivity to ensure the efficient functioning of the aviation sector.

The ministry also plays an important role in safeguarding the interests of air passengers by promoting safe, accessible, and reliable air travel. It oversees measures relating to passenger rights, service quality, refunds, baggage handling, and grievance redressal. Consumers can raise concerns regarding airline and airport services through platforms such as AirSewa.

In addition, the ministry supports initiatives such as the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which aims to make air travel more accessible across the country, and DigiYatra, which facilitates a smoother and more convenient airport experience for passengers.

Passenger Charter of Rights

The Passenger Charter of Rights, enacted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in February 2019, serves to elevate passenger awareness regarding legal entitlements while fostering transparency and institutional accountability within the aviation sector. This comprehensive framework consolidates regulatory provisions governing critical service areas, including flight delays, cancellations, denied boarding, financial refunds, and baggage liabilities. Furthermore, it delineates the statutory facilities mandated for passengers with disabilities or those requiring specialized assistance. By clarifying established grievance redressal mechanisms and aligning with prevailing Civil Aviation Requirements, the Charter reinforces the Ministry's commitment to cultivating a safe, efficient, and passenger-centric civil aviation ecosystem that optimizes service reliability. 

Recent Publication

  • Passenger Charter of Rights – Ministry of Civil Aviation
    The Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced the Passenger Charter of Rights to protect air travellers by clearly outlining passenger rights related to flight delays, cancellations, denied boarding, baggage issues, refunds, and compensation. The charter helps consumers understand their entitlements and promotes accountability among airlines. 
  • AirSewa Grievance Redressal Portal
    The AirSewa platform was launched to help passengers register complaints and grievances related to airline services, baggage handling, refunds, airport facilities, and flight disruptions. It improves consumer grievance redressal in the aviation sector through an accessible digital platform. 

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.pib.gov.in/allRel.aspx?reg=3&lang=1

 

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) was established on 29 August 1997 under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, as an independent regulatory authority for monitoring and controlling medicine prices in India.

NPPA implements the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013 and is responsible for fixing and revising ceiling prices of essential medicines, monitoring drug availability, and ensuring compliance by pharmaceutical companies. It has regulated the prices of medicines and medical devices such as anti-diabetic drugs, coronary stents, knee implants, anti-cancer medicines, and oxygen concentrators to prevent excessive pricing.

The authority helps consumers by ensuring affordable access to essential medicines, controlling unfair price increases, and improving transparency in the pharmaceutical sector. NPPA also introduced consumer-focused platforms such as “Pharma Sahi Dam” and “Pharma Jan Samadhan” for medicine price information and grievance redressal.

Purpose

  • To ensure medicines are available and affordable to consumers.
  • To regulate and monitor drug prices under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO).
  • To prevent excessive pricing of essential medicines and medical devices.
  • To protect public health while also supporting the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.
  • To improve transparency, accessibility, and grievance redressal in the pharmaceutical sector.

Recent Publication

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://nppa.gov.in/view_more?id=4

Competition Commission of India

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) was established on 14 October 2003 under the Competition Act, 2002. It was created to promote and sustain fair competition in markets across India. The Commission works to prevent anti-competitive practices and ensure that markets function in a way that benefits consumers through fair prices, better choices, and improved services. 

The Competition Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position by enterprises, and certain mergers or acquisitions that may negatively affect competition. CCI monitors these areas to ensure that no business unfairly controls markets or restricts consumer choice.

The Commission consists of a Chairperson and appointed members and functions as the main regulatory authority for competition law in India. It also undertakes competition advocacy, public awareness, and provides opinions on competition-related issues referred by other statutory bodies

Vision

To promote and sustain an enabling competition culture through engagement and enforcement that would inspire business to be fair, competitive and innovative; enhance consumer welfare; and support economic growth

Mission

Competition Commission of India aims to establish a robust competitive environment through:

  • Proactive engagement with all stakeholders, including consumers, industry, government and international jurisdictions.
  • Being a knowledge intensive organization with a high competence level.
  • Professionalism, transparency, resolve and wisdom in enforcement.

Recent Notification

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.cci.gov.in/antitrust/press-release

Advertising Standards Council of India

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) was established in 1985 as a voluntary self-regulatory organization under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956. It was created as a non-profit body to ensure that advertisements in India are legal, truthful, honest, and socially responsible. ASCI functions as an industry-led mechanism to monitor advertising practices and promote ethical standards across print, television, digital platforms, and social media by setting standards for fair advertising. It addresses misleading claims, harmful product promotions, offensive content, and unfair competitive practices. It also operates a Consumer Complaints Council that examines complaints against advertising code. The council plays an important role in protecting consumers from deceptive marketing and false claims. Although it is not a statutory regulator, its guidelines are widely followed and are recognized by government authorities in matters related to misleading advertisement and consumer protection.

Purpose

The purpose of ASCI is to promote truthful, responsible, and ethical advertising practices in India. It aims to ensure that advertisements are not misleading, offensive, or harmful to consumers and that businesses follow fair competition practices. 

ASCI also helps consumers by reviewing complaints against advertisements and encouraging correction or withdrawal of misleading promotional content. 

Recent Reports: 

  • ASCI Half-Yearly Complaints Report (2025–26)
    Advertising Standards Council of India published its half-yearly complaints report highlighting misleading advertisements across sectors like healthcare, education, personal care, and digital services. The report reflects ASCI’s self-regulatory role in addressing deceptive advertising and protecting consumers. 
  • Personal Care Sector Advertising Monitoring Report (2023)
    ASCI released a sectoral report on personal care advertisements, identifying violations such as exaggerated claims, misleading product promises, and non-compliance with disclosure norms. It focuses on ensuring truthful advertising in consumer wellness and beauty products.

For more notifications, publications, advisories, and updates, visit the official website: https://www.ascionline.in/reports/