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Various institution comprising Nagaland Voluntary Consumer Organisation (NVCO), Pro Bono Club of Kohima Law College, Immanuel College and St. Joseph’s College celebrated ‘World Consumer Rights Day’ on Wednesday on the theme “Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions.”
The day is observed on March 15 every year globally with an aim to raise global awareness among the consumers about their rights as well as promote consumer protection. The day is also celebrated to protest against market abuses and social injustices which undermine consumer rights.
Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) and Pro Bono Club of Kohima Law College jointly celebrated ‘World Consumer Rights Day’ on Wednesday at the college auditorium with NVCO president, Kezhokhoto Savi, as main speaker.
An update from NVCO stated that a skit presentation by Nocklei M Shahyong and Yakap Shankai highlighting various conduct of traders in exploiting consumers in the market including unfair means of practices by the meat sellers especially shortage in weight was the highlight of the programme. It added that another short presentation by Muwali Sangtam, Wanjen and Huluto on various topics relating to consumer rights has enthralled the gathering.
Describing ‘right to basic needs’ as one of the consumer rights, it pointed out that the basic needs faced by the public in the context of Nagaland included bad roads, broken bridges, no water supply for public especially in state capital where citizens have to buy water in all seasons, deficiency in supply of electricity, poor infrastructure/ building of government schools, poor health services etc.
Speaking on the occasion, Savi stated that ‘Right to public services legislation’ in India comprised of statutory laws which guarantee time bound delivery of services for various public services rendered by the government to its citizen and providing mechanism to punish errant public servant. Savi said the legislation was meant to reduce corruption among the government officials and to increase transparency and public accountability.
Savi informed that more than 14 states have already enacted the legislation where Madhya Pradesh became the first state to enact ‘Right to Service Act’ in 2010. The common framework of the legislations in various states included granting the right to public services, which are to be provided to the public by the designated official within the stipulated timeframe.
Some of the common public services, which are to be provided within the fixed timeframe as a right under the Acts included issuing caste, birth, marriage, domicile certificates, electric connection, votes card, ration card, copies of land records etc.
The function was attended by college administrator, faculty and law students.
In a related programme, Economics department of Immanuel College, Dimapur, observed 'World Consumer Rights Day' at Cambridge School, Lengrijan, on Wednesday.
An update from the college stated that students and faculty members led by S Temsusenla Ao, head of the Economics department, visited Cambridge School and imparted awareness about the importance of clean energy and consumer empowerment to the young minds.
The students also initiated a talk on how to conserve energy with the class 9 students of Cambridge School.
In another programme, Economics department of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama, in collaboration with Commerce department and Alumni Association, observed ‘World Consumer Rights Day’ at the college indoor stadium by organising a seminar with Inavili Chophy, advocate and notary public, as the speaker on the theme “Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions.”
Chophy spoke on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on Indian economy which led to increase in unemployment to 24%. She also talked about how a country like India could influence clean energy transition and to support economic recovery through clean energy.
She also stated that India could gradually reduce its exposure to commodity imports and foreign-supply chains through distributed energy systems and the promotion of domestic manufacturing.
She concluded her speech by stating that circular economy solutions linked with clean energy should become a core feature of India’s future economy.