Consumer Awareness Bharat Yatra 2026 programme held at Kohima Science College highlights consumer rights and duties.
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DIMAPUR — A programme on consumer rights under the Consumer Awareness Bharat Yatra 2026 was held at the laboratory of the Department of Mathematics, Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma, on Wednesday.
The event, organised by the Students’ Club, aimed to spread awareness among students about consumer rights and responsibilities, an update stated.
The programme began with a welcome address by a lecturer on behalf of the college, followed by an overview of the Consumer Awareness Bharat Yatra.
The speaker Dr. Anant Sharma highlighted that the initiative began on December 24, 2015, with the mission to spread awareness about consumer rights across India.
The speaker explained that the yatra has been travelling across India to educate people about consumer protection and to prevent unfair trade practices.
The initiative promotes the message of “Jago Grahak Jago” to encourage citizens to be alert and aware.
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Dr. Sharma explained that every individual who purchases goods or services is a consumer and emphasised the importance of checking both the quality and quantity of products to ensure that what is promised is actually delivered, as failure to do so results in exploitation of the public.
Highlighting the importance of consumer awareness, the speaker elaborated on the six basic consumer rights established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
He stated that the Right to Safety ensures protection against goods and services that may pose a risk to life and property.
The Right to Information, he said, entitles consumers to receive complete and accurate details regarding the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods and services, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Emphasising consumer freedom, Dr. Sharma explained that the Right to Choose guarantees access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices without unfair pressure.
The Right to Be Heard assures that consumer grievances will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
He further noted that the Right to Seek Redressal empowers consumers to claim compensation against unfair trade practices, defective goods or deficient services.
Lastly, he underscored the Right to Consumer Education, which enables individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed choices and protect themselves against exploitation.
Dr. Sharma noted that although these rights exist, many people are still unaware of them, which is why the yatra continues its nationwide campaign.
He also informed the audience about Consumer Commissions in every state where complaints can be filed, and mentioned that cases are aimed to be resolved within 90 days.
Additionally, he discussed the growing influence of advertisements, mobile phones, and artificial intelligence in shaping consumer behaviour, stressing the need for increased awareness in the digital age. Students were encouraged to use helpline numbers provided and to actively report unfair practices.
An interactive session followed, during which students suggested changes that could be implemented in Nagaland, including greater awareness about Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on products.
The speaker emphasised that change is possible only when consumers take responsibility, raise complaints, and avoid remaining silent against unfair practices.
“The programme concluded with a message encouraging students to stay informed, exercise their rights, and contribute to building a fair and safe marketplace for all consumers,” it stated.