DIMAPUR — As the nation observes ‘National Consumer Rights Day’ on December 24, Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has reiterated its demand to set up the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission with proper infrastructures.
A NVCO press release issued by its media cell stated that the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has been conducting cases at Circuit House in Kohima and at Dimapur District Court for the last several years due to lack of proper infrastructure.
It claimed that the Commission brings case files/ office files from home to the place where cases are to be conducted as there was no place. It stated that the district principal/ session judge holds dual charge and conduct consumer cases from time to time. It added that some new districts are yet to set up consumer disputes redressal commission.
NVCO informed that the new Act (Consumer Protection Act, 2019) has added more facilities to the consumers especially the aggrieved consumers such as electronic filing, e-commerce, mediation cell to be attach to each consumer disputes redressal commission etc. It, however, stated that the state government is yet to take initiative for the setting up of the mentioned facilities. Even as the new Act has created central consumer protection authority, NVCO stated that awareness was still lacking among the consumers in Nagaland.
It mentioned that ‘National Consumer Rights Day’ is observed on December 24 every year in India to commemorate approval of Consumer Protection Act by the President of India on December 24, 1986. The Act provides an opportunity for highlighting the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make the consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities, particularly in the rural areas.
It added that NVCO conducts a week-long awareness programme every year in Nagaland to commemorate ‘National Consumer Rights Day.’
Describing every individual as a consumer, NVCO said it expect right quality, right quantity, right prices, information about the mode of use etc for every purchase of item.
It informed that consumer could file complaint in the consumer commission against any defective goods purchased or deficient service rendered including restrictive/ unfair trade practices adopted by any trader/person. It added that the consumer forum/commission has the power to order removal/ replacement of defect/ deficiencies in goods and services, refund of price paid, compensation for loss/ injury suffered, discontinuation of unfair/restrictive trade practices, withdrawal of hazardous or unsafe goods or award adequate cost to parties etc.
Besides, it stated that an aggrieved consumer could call the Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll Free No. 1800-345-3701 to assert one’s rights, whenever required.
NVCO stated that only alert consumers could protect themselves and the society from the exploitation of trade and industry. With e-commerce gaining more and more popularity, it urged the consumers to exercise their rights and responsibilities.
NVCO further wished every citizen a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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