Centre has asked the state governments to expedite filling up of 280 vacant posts, both at the district and state consumer disputes redressal commissions.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas said in a letter to the chief ministers said that the delay in filling up of the vacant posts has resulted in consumers waiting for a long time to get their grievances redressed.

The Consumer Protection Act duly provides for a fair settlement of genuine grievances of consumers relating to the performance and quality of the goods and services.

The government has also set up a proper mechanism for their redressal at district, state and national levels. Stressing on hiring quality people, Thomas said that the states are paying a meager sum as honorarium for a full time job.

This has resulted in qualified persons not applying for such posts. He however added, some state governments like Kerala and West Bengal have revised the salary structure to take the services of quality people.