Dimapur, Dec. 29 (EMN): One of the significances of National Consumer Day is that on December 24 in the year 1986, the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 had received the assent of the president of India. The Act is considered to be a historic milestone in the country for it defined the rights of the buyer and the product user, protecting them from unscrupulous business practices and unfair retail practices.
Every year, December 24 is observed as National Consumer Day and the observation of the Day provides an opportunity for highlighting the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make consumers more aware of their rights and responsibilities, particularly in the rural areas.
This year the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) conducted a weeklong programme in observance of National Consumers Day, from December 18 to the 24 along with several other associations and unions. The programmes were conducted to advocate consumer rights and to educate people on them related to Food Safety, backdoor appointments, illegal taxation at the check-gates and on highways, Food Security, and Public Services Delivery System etc, the NVCO stated.
The NVCO issued a press release earlier informing about the event.
The organisation stated it has received complaints about harassments from fund raising activities, and about deficiency in services and defective goods, extortion and illegal cash levies, and even unsafe food in the market.
The NVCO’s press release mentioned that members of a Baptist fellowship of Jakhama in Kohima bought chilli powder from Sukozie market or BOC in Kohima for a jubilee feast. A sample was sent to the State Health & Food Laboratory in Kohima for testing, the NVCO stated. The result was that it was mixed with ‘oil soluble which is harmful,’ the press release stated.
The organisation stated that the responsibility is with the citizen and the consumer, and with the government agencies and the state government. They have to play a vital role in promoting the welfare of consumers and ensure protection of their rights, the press release stated.
The NVCO appeals to every citizen and consumer to be always alert when buying goods or availing services. The organisation assured citizens that the organisation will continually fight for the interest of consumers.
The group informed ‘it is all set to reach out the rights of the consumers to every nook and corner in the state.’
‘Consumer disputes redressal agencies popularly known as consumer forums are set up under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 as district, state and national level establishments to provide simple and inexpensive quick redress against consumer complaints,’ the press release stated.
‘A consumer can file complaint in the consumer forum against any defective goods purchased or deficient service rendered including restrictive/unfair trade practices adopted by any trader/person. Normally a complaint is to be filed within two years from the date on which cause of action arose.’
The consumer forum or commission has the power to order removal or replacement of defective or deficient goods and services, or order refund of price paid, or order compensation for loss or injury suffered, order discontinuation of unfair or restrictive trade practices, withdrawal of hazardous or unsafe goods or award adequate cost to parties etc.
‘Therefore, do not hesitate to call up Nagaland State Consumer helpline toll free number 1800-345-3701 or approach the consumer forum or state consumer disputes redress commission to assert your rights, whenever necessary. Only alert consumers can protect themselves and the society from the exploitation of trade and industry. Remember, your own welfare now remain in your own hands,’ the NVCO stated.
The NVCO wishes every consumer and citizen a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the press release stated.
Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection
The department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection in Kohima observed National Consumer Day 2019, on December 24 in the directorate’s conference hall.
The establishment of the Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection at Kohima issued a press release on Sunday informing about the event.
National Consumer Day is an auspicious day for the people of the country as it highlights the rights of consumers.
