Consumer protection awareness programme held in Chozuba

DIMAPUR — A consumer protection awareness programme was held at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Chozuba, with the teaching faculty and students of classes 11 and 12 on June 17.

While chairing the programme, Keneinuo Swuro spoke about its purpose and explained the functioning of the legal services authorities.

The principal of GHSS, Chozuba, Sedukholu Thisa, while delivering the welcome note, expressed that Phek District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has conducted numerous legal awareness programmes and the school has benefited from these sessions in the past.

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Shiekhozo Rhakho, assistant controller LM&CP, Phek, delivering the keynote address, mentioned that every person is a consumer, whether buying clothes, groceries, or using a mobile phone, and everyone has a right.

He said that consumer protection is not just about addressing complaints but about empowering citizens and holding businesses accountable. He stated that the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, has made influencers and advertising companies accountable for misleading information and cited instances. He emphasised awareness and responsibility as a buyer.

The resource speaker, Mezivolu T Therieh, District and Session Judge-cum-chairperson of Phek DLSA, emphasised the new provisions introduced in the Consumer Protection Act 2019.

She emphasised that a consumer is not only buying goods but also being aware, asking questions, and standing up for what is fair. She addressed online transactions of goods and services and how consumers can file complaints from where they reside.

She discussed the six rights of consumers and urged the students to bear in mind, when making purchases, that they have the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard, the right to redressal, and the right to consumer education.

Stressing the importance of receipts and cash memos as evidentiary proof when making purchases, she highlighted that complaints can be filed online or in person. She mentioned the three-tier redressal system — district, state, and national consumer dispute redressal commissions — and the pecuniary jurisdiction.

The interactive session was led by Sekhotso Rokha, panel lawyer of Phek DLSA, who addressed the questions and queries raised. He urged consumers to be smart and check expiry dates and MRP prices. He also stated that medical negligence can now be addressed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.