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Pukhayi Assumi speaking at the launch of Consumer Rights Organisation in Dimapur on Jan 7.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 7: With an aim to protect the rights of consumers, educate the citizens about it and to redress the grievances of consumers in Nagaland, a group of like-minded people has formed Consumer Rights Organisation (CRO) in Dimapur.
“Common man is becoming the target of exploitation of market forces due to lack of awareness, education, poverty, and ignorance. Therefore, consumer education has become very important since it is the only tool to protect the consumer,” advisor for Food and Civil Supply, Pukhayi Assumi said.
Addressing the launch programme at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on Jan. 7, Assumi recalled the Consumer Protection Act 1986, which was enacted by the Parliament to safeguard the rights of consumers. He added that in 1987, Consumer Protection Rules came into force to carry out the provisions mentioned in the Consumer Protection Act.
He said Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection department is the nodal department for the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act and Rules, in Nagaland. He added that Nagaland State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, and Nagaland State Consumer Helpline (1800-345-3701) were some of the consumer redressal agencies set up to look into the complaints of the consumers. Assumi said consumer organisations have been carrying out activities, such as consumer awareness programmes and campaigns in the state to enhance and promote strong consumer movement in the country.
Earlier, the president of the CRO, James E Jungio briefed about the organisation, during which he said that it was a nationally-registered establishment, which is non-political and non-profitable aimed at protecting the rights of the consumers
Acknowledging that consumer rights had been violated in many places in the state, Jungio stated the organisation’s objective was to assist and facilitate consumers about their rights, in all parts of Nagaland. “The aim of the group is to address all issues related to violation of consumer rights,” he said.
A consumer has to submit its complaint letter to the head office of CRO in Dimapur, after which the committee will verify the complaint about its authenticity. Necessary action will then be decided by the committee.