The Central Exercise and Salt Act,
1944 was amended in 1991 to enable the Govt. of India to create the Consumer
Welfare Fund. In terms of the Consumer Welfare Fund Rules, 1992 amended in 1994
and 1995 the Fund was set up by the Department of Revenue, Govt. of India. It
is operated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution,
Department of Consumer Affairs. The procedure for applying for financial
assistance and the eligibility criteria of the voluntary consumer organisation
seeking assistance are specified in the Consumer Welfare Fund Rules. During the period under review 13 VCOs of
the State were sanctioned grant from the Consumer Welfare Fund, Govt of India.
The list of such VCOs is given in Annex XVIII.