Zunheboto Range Students’ Union host consumer awareness prog
Zunheboto Range Students’ Union host consumer awareness programme in Zunheboto
Zunheboto Range Students’ Union, in collaboration with Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, organised a consumer awareness programme at Zunheboto Town Hall
DIMAPUR — Zunheboto Range Students’ Union
(ZRSU), in collaboration with the Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection
(LMCP), organised a consumer awareness programme at Zunheboto Town Hall on
Wednesday.
According to an update, Pukhai L Swu, inspector of LMCP
Zunheboto, served as the resource person and highlighted the significance of
understanding consumer rights.
Pukhai L Swu addressing the consumer awareness programme in
Zunheboto Town Hall on Wednesday.
Swu stressed that consumers should be aware of their
spending and what they receive in return. He said efforts are being made to
promote transparency in the market so that consumers know exactly what they are
paying for, which will help prevent unfair practices and build trust between
buyers and sellers.
He also pointed out a common misconception that electronic
weighing machines cannot be manipulated. He clarified that since they are
man-made, they can be tampered with.
Urging the Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries
(ZCCI) to routinely check weighing machines in the market, he explained that
electronic weighing machines must be able to demonstrate accuracy by measuring
a test weight equal to 10% of their maximum capacity. For instance, a 100 kg
machine should accurately measure a standard 10 kg test weight and should be
presented near the machine.
Swu highlighted that various unfair trade practices are
prevalent in Zunheboto, especially concerning pre-packaged commodities such as
dal and sugar. These practices include selling underweight packages,
overcharging, or offering substandard products.
He also noted that many imported goods are being sold in the
market without proper Maximum Retail Price (MRP) labelling, which violates
Indian consumer protection laws. According to Indian law, all imported
pre-packaged commodities meant for retail must display the MRP, importer’s
details, net quantity, and date of import. If consumers come across products
without MRP labels, they are encouraged to report them to consumer protection
authorities or the Legal Metrology department.
He also raised concerns about the disuse of coins in
Zunheboto, questioning if this reflected an unofficial ban, as coins remain
legal tender under RBI regulations.
Easter H Yepthomi, retainer lawyer, Zunheboto District Legal
Services Authority, addressed legal aspects of consumer rights. She explained
that a person is only considered a consumer if the goods or services are
purchased for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
Yepthomi stated that individuals under 18 cannot file
consumer complaints on their own; a parent or guardian must do so on their
behalf. She also advised consumers to prepare at least three copies of a
complaint, accompanied by supporting documents, when filing at the district
level. She emphasised the importance of always asking for a bill or receipt,
even for small purchases, as it can serve as proof in the future.
Kikheto Muru, president of ZCCI, urged participants to
spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities to prevent
exploitation. Muru emphasised that many consumers blindly accept whatever
shopkeepers offer without checking the product thoroughly.
He stressed that consumers should always check vital
information like expiry dates to ensure safety and quality, thereby protecting
themselves from health risks and unfair trade practices.
The programme witnessed participation from over 600
individuals, including ZCCI officials, members of the Zunheboto GBs
Association, and students from Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Immanuel
Higher Secondary School, Olympic Higher Secondary School, Woodland Higher
Secondary School, and Bloomfield Higher Secondary School.
