Context:

The Department of Consumer Affairs has achieved nationwide implementation of the E-Daakhil portal with its recent launch in Ladakh.

About E-Daakhil portal 

• It was first launched on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.
• The portal has been developed under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, which came into force in July 2020.
• The E-Daakhil portal is an innovative online platform introduced to promote consumer rights and ensure timely justice. 

• It provides an easy-to-access and inexpensive platform where marginalized consumers can reach to the consumer commission for the redressal of their grievances.
• By the end of 2023, the portal was launched in 35 States/UTs except Ladakh. It has now also been launched in Ladakh.
• Besides the portal the government is also working on launching of e-Jagriti which will further streamline case filing, tracking, and management, ensuring a hassle-free experience for consumers and other stakeholders.
• The portal has also been integrated with the Common Service Centers (CSC), a mission-made project under the Digital India program to make public utility services accessible to residents of remote and rural parts of the country.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, is a comprehensive legislation aimed at safeguarding consumer rights and promoting fair trade practices in India. 
• It replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, to address modern consumer challenges, including e-commerce and digital transactions.  
• It defines a consumer as a person who buys any good or avails a service for consideration.  It does not include a person who obtains a good for resale or a good or service for commercial purposes.  It covers transactions through all modes including offline, and online.

Salient features of the Consumer Protection Act 2019

• Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): Established to regulate matters relating to the violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements. 
• Product Liability: Introduces liability for harm caused by defective goods or deficient services.
• Mediation: It works as an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.