A homebuyers forum, the Forum for People's Collective Efforts (FPCE), has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) in protecting consumer interests. The forum has appealed to the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry to intervene and issue sector-specific guidelines to safeguard homebuyers.

RERA Failing to Meet Objectives?

The FPCE claims that RERA, despite being in place for seven years, has not been able to achieve its intended objectives. They point to the high number of real estate-related complaints pending with consumer forums as evidence of RERA's shortcomings.

Call for Consumer Affairs Ministry Intervention

The forum has urged the Consumer Affairs Ministry to step in and provide stronger protection for homebuyers. They argue that the complexities and malpractices prevalent in the real estate sector necessitate specific guidelines to ensure consumer rights are upheld.

Key Concerns Raised by FPCE:

• Misleading Advertisements: Developers often use misleading advertisements to lure buyers.

• Unfair Contracts: Homebuyers are often subjected to unfair contract terms and conditions.

• Unfair Trade Practices: The sector is rife with unfair trade practices that harm consumers.

• Lack of Protection: RERA has not been effective in protecting homebuyers from issues like project delays, cost overruns, and misleading information.

The Way Forward:

The FPCE believes that sector-specific guidelines from the Consumer Affairs Ministry would provide much-needed clarity and protection for homebuyers. They are urging the ministry to intervene and address the concerns raised by consumers.

Conclusion:

The FPCE's appeal to the Consumer Affairs Ministry highlights the ongoing challenges faced by homebuyers in India. While RERA was intended to regulate the real estate sector and protect consumers, the forum's concerns suggest that more needs to be done to ensure that homebuyers are adequately protected from unfair practices and that their rights are upheld.