Significance of World Consumer Rights Day on 15th March 2020

The significance of the World Consumer Rights Day is that it has its origin in former US President John K. Kennedy’s declaration of four basic consumer rights in his 15th March 1962 special message to the US congress and therefore, March 15th is a historical date for consumer organisations worldwide as it was the date that President John F. Kennedy outlined his vision about consumer rights. John F. Kennedy was the first world leader to do so. World Consumer Rights Day was first observed on 15th March, 1983. Two years later, on 9th April 1985, the United Nations’ General Assembly adopted the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection. In India, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is an important Act in the history of the consumer movement in the country. The act was made to provide for the better protection and promotion of consumer rights through the establishment of consumer councils and quasi-judicial machinery. More importantly, it is a time for promoting the basic rights of all consumers, for demanding that those rights are respected and protected and for protecting the market abuses and social injustices which undermine them.

The importance of observing World Consumer Rights Day in the country especially Nagaland is beneficial to the citizens as it creates better awareness which is still lacking in our society especially in rural areas and the day reminds the citizens to remember their rights and responsibilities as a consumer and the slogan – ‘An alert consumer is an asset to the nation’ speaks volumes on this occasion. Despite World Consumer Rights Day falling on Sunday i.e 15th March 2020, for the State of Nagaland as a Christian state it is an opportunity where churches can observe as part of the church Sunday services. The moment a person comes into this world, he/she starts consuming, he/she needs milk, clothes, oil, soap, water and many more things and these needs keep taking one form or the other all along with his/her life. Thus we all are consumers. When we approach the market as a consumer, we aspect value for money, i.e. right quality, right quantity, right prices, information about the mode of use, etc.  But there may be an instance where a consumer is harassed or cheated. He may be supplied with goods which do not perform as per their description or have one or more defects. Likewise, in case of services, there may be a deficiency.

Every year 15th March is observed as World Consumer Rights Day and this year the consumers international has announced the theme: “The Sustainable Consumer”. A vigilant consumer can contribute to reducing the problem of sub-standard, defective goods, deficiency services, adulteration, unfair trade practices, etc. to a large extent. The responsibility for the promotion and protection of consumer rights rests with all of us and more particularly with governmental agencies.  The special message of President NVCO Shri.Kezhokhoto Savi: “It is the need of the day to know your rights and responsibilities for your own welfare and for the development of a vibrant and stable economy”. In a democratic state we the people are the voice and therefore let us all “wake up” like the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India considered “Jago Grahak Jago” project which means ‘Wake Up Consumers Wake Up” as the most effective mechanism in creating consumer awareness in the country.

This year the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) conducted a week-long observance of World Consumer Rights Day from 9th-15th March 2020 along with several other associations, unions, students and churches on consumer awareness campaign related to food safety, RTI, illegal collection of cash at the check-gates and on highways, backdoor appointment, food security,  public services delivery system, Nagaland state consumer helpline with Toll-Free No. 1800-345-3701, price-rise, adulteration, unfair trade practices especially with butchers in weighting, corruption, etc. The NVCO appeals to every citizen/consumer to always remain alert while buying goods and availing services as only alert consumers can protect themselves from the exploitation of trade and industries. Remember, your own welfare now remains in your own hands. Do not hesitate to call up Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll-Free No. 1800 – 345 – 3701 or approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum or State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to assert your rights.

Sd/-
Kezhokhoto Savi,
President NVCO