.- [(1) The distribution licensee shall establish a Forum for Redressal of Grievances of Consumers under sub-section (5) of section 42 which shall consist of officers of the licensee. The Appropriate Commission shall nominate one independent member who is familar who the consumer affairs:Provided that the manner of appointment and the qualification and experience of the persons to be appointed as member of the Forum and the procedure of dealing with the grievances of the consumers by the Forum and other similar matters would be as per the guidelines specified by the State Commission.] [ Substituted by G.S.R. 667(E), dated 26.10.2006 (w.e.f. 26.10.2006).](2)The Ombudsman to be appointed or designated by the State Commission under sub-section (6) of section 42 of the Act shall be such person as the State Commission may decide from time to time.(3)The Ombudsman shall consider the representations of the consumers consistent with the provisions of the Act, the Rules and Regulations made hereunder or general orders or directions given by the Appropriate Government or the Appropriate Commission in this regard before settling their grievances.(4)(a)The Ombudsman shall prepare a report on a six monthly basis giving details of the nature of the grievances of the consumer dealt by the ombudsman, the response of the Licensees in the redressal of the grievances and the opinion of the ombudsman on the Licensee's compliance of the standards of performance as specified by the Commission under section 57 of the Act during the preceding six months.(b)The report under sub-clause (a) above shall be forwarded to the State Commission and the State Government within 45 days after the end of the relevant period of six months.
