Commerce Department Collects Over Rs 2.61 Crore in Fines

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has collected a total of Rs 2.61 crore in fines from businesses operating in contravention of the law during the last fiscal year 2082/83.

The department made this announcement on Friday while releasing its annual progress report. According to the report, a total of 537 business firms were penalized for violating the Consumer Protection Act 2075 and its regulations.

During the last fiscal year, a total of 965 inspection teams were deployed across the country, inspecting 4,481 business firms. Of these, 3,462 firms were cautioned and given necessary instructions, while 362 firms were asked to produce additional documents for further investigation.

According to the department’s statistics, only 115 firms were found to be fully compliant with the law. Four firms were found to be selling substandard products, which were subsequently destroyed, while one firm was ordered to return its products.

The department also released information on the status of consumer complaints. Of the 980 complaints received through its own system, 921 have been resolved, while 58 are still under process. Additionally, of the 320 complaints received through the ‘Hello Government’ system, 46 have been resolved, while 236 are under investigation, 37 are being reviewed, and one complaint was found to be unrelated to the department.