Punjab to amend laws to improve consumer protection bodies

LAHORE: Punjab authorities are set to introduce critical changes to existing legislation, according to Dr Kiran Khursheed, Secretary of Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The amendments, unveiled during a recent meeting attended by various government officials, aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of institutions responsible for food safety and consumer protection.

These institutions include the Punjab Agricultural Marketing Regulatory Authority (PAMRA), Punjab Food Authority, Directorate General Enforcement, Punjab Halal Development Authority, and the Consumer Protection Bureau. Dr Khursheed emphasized the need to finalize these legal amendments promptly to ensure the institutions operate in a modern context and align with contemporary demands.

The proposed amendments encompass several key areas. One proposal seeks to align the procedure for appointing chairpersons and members of these authorities with the Rules of Business 2011. Additionally, discussions are underway to restructure these bodies, integrating the secretaries of agriculture and finance into their boards.

New definitions for agricultural marketing, agribusiness, and agricultural commodities are also under consideration, with the objective of including packaging activities within the scope of agricultural marketing.

Empowering PAMRA to oversee agricultural markets and all market stakeholders is another proposed change. The Food Authority, PAMRA, and Halal Development Authority are also granted the authority to set registration fees, create or abolish positions, and approve remuneration and honoraria through regulations. Dr Khursheed reiterated that the proposed amendments would close legal loopholes, alleviate pending cases, and bolster the performance of the agricultural marketing and food safety sectors.

The meeting further assured that the service rights, pensions, and retirement rules of current employees would be fully protected.