Maharashtra Constitutes Five-Member Panel to Draft Oversight Rules for Direct Selling

Overview

• The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department issued a government resolution on November 13 under the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021 to set up the drafting committee.
• Headed by the deputy secretary of the department, the panel includes the Controller of Legal Metrology, the secretary of the Indian Direct Selling Association, the under secretary, and a section officer as member secretary.
• The committee will study how other states regulate direct selling and prepare uniform rules for Maharashtra to monitor companies and direct sellers, including online activity.
• Officials cite a lack of any state monitoring framework and a rise in complaints over misleading product claims and unverifiable company details as the key drivers for the move.
• Formed after an October 8 meeting, the panel is expected to submit recommendations in the coming months, which will go to a seven-member high-level group led by the department secretary for final approval.