New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS): The government Friday introduced a bill to amend the Consumer Protection Act with a view to widening its scope and facilitating faster disposal of cases.

Consumer Affairs Minister K.V. Thomas introduced in the Lok Sabha the bill, which seeks to rationalise qualifications and procedure of selection of presidents and members of national and state commissions and district forums.

The act has earlier been amended in 1991, 1993 and 2002 to make it more effective.

"Several shortcomings have been noticed while implementing the act," said Thomas.

The bill will also empower the government to call upon the National Consumer Commission to furnish, periodically or when required, any information concerning the pendency of cases. Similarly the state governments would be empowered to call upon state panels, according to the provisions of the bill.

The bill would also provide for making complaints in an electronic form to the district forum.