Govt extends deadline for comments on draft guidelines to curb unsolicited business communication

Initially set for July 21, 2024, the deadline has now been extended by 15 days to August 5, 2024, following requests from various federations, associations, and other stakeholders.

The draft guidelines aim to address the growing issue of unsolicited calls and messages that have been a significant concern for consumers. The proposed rules seek to make it illegal for companies to make unsolicited calls or send unwanted text messages to promote their services or employ agents to do so from unregistered numbers.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to safeguard consumer rights and reduce the nuisance caused by such communications.

The guidelines propose stringent measures against telemarketers who fail to comply with established standards, including potential penalties for violations. The move is also intended to ensure that business communications adhere to the Telecom Regulations Authority of India’s (TRAI) rules on sending commercial messages based on customer preferences.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has received various suggestions and comments from stakeholders, which are currently under review. Stakeholders, including consumers and central ministries, were invited to provide their inputs, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to policy-making.

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Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected], and the draft guidelines can be accessed through the provided link. The extension aims to provide sufficient time for all stakeholders to submit their feedback, ensuring that the final guidelines comprehensively address the concerns raised by various sectors.

This development underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of unsolicited business communication, which has become increasingly prevalent and intrusive, particularly from sectors like banking, non-bank lenders, insurance firms, and property dealers.

The draft guidelines are seen as a necessary step towards regulating these practices and protecting consumer interests under the Consumer Protection Act, of 2019.