Government to pay fee of empanelled mediators in consumer cases

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

mediation cells, the Consumer Affairs Ministry said on Friday. The ministry took a decision in this regard after a series of consultations with various stakeholders, and during regional workshops held in northeastern and northern states, an official release said. It was observed that a substantial number of cases are not resolved through mediation because the parties in the disputes are observed to be reluctant in paying the fee of the mediator.

Based on the suggestions, the ministry has «decided to pay the fees of the empanelled mediator from the Consumer Welfare Fund,» the release said. According to the consumer affairs ministry release, the amount of dispute, or the fee of the mediator as set by the President of the Commission, or the fees prescribed below, whichever is least, will be paid to the mediator. A fee of about Rs 3,000 will be paid to a mediator for successful mediation in district commissions, while Rs 5,000 in the state commissions.

That apart, about Rs 600 per case subject to a maximum of Rs 1,800 regardless of the number of connected cases will be paid to mediate in the district commission. About Rs 1,000 per case subject to a maximum of Rs 3,000 regardless of the number of connected cases will be paid to mediate in state commissions. In case of failed mediation, about Rs 500 and 1,000 per case will be paid to a mediator in district and state commissions, respectively.