June 29,2024
Nagaland State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NSCDRC) in collaboration with Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides organised an awareness programme on consumer rights at State Training Centre, Nerhema, Kohima on June 29.
Justice S Hukato Swu President, NSCDRC delivering the introductory speech opined that consumer is not only confined to what we eat but embraces overall problems, be it related to exorbitant prices or to health related issues and concerns every citizen.
Consumer court is placed in each and every district and easily available to help the public, he said and informed that there are no fees levied for commodities below 5 lakh and are edible in nature and one can approach for medical issues and medical negligence.
Swu said that Consumer rights commission in an important part of the state because it concerns every concern citizen who in turn is the consumer. He called the young people to become advocates and spread awareness on this meanwhile added that anyone can write or file a complaint related to consumer issues.
Speaking about present scenario, Swu emphasised on how some business platforms run online operates fraudulently. He further added that the commission is ready to help the public and address such issues. He mentioned the importance of creating more awareness for the public to know their rights and responsibilities as everything is commercialised.
Advocate Sunjib Rana speaking on E-Commerce: Liabilities & Mediation highlighted that service at home has become so much convenient but on the other hand it also invites so much of inconvenience and problems because of online scams and frauds.
He called customers to be aware of their rights and what the product is offering. Verbal complaints are just word of much of mouth when we do not have awareness on how to file a complaint, he said.
Rana said a free services provided by the consumer disputes redressal commission are here for the people adding that it is not about the amount of what we buy rather than how well informed we are.
Advocate Apila Sangtam providing an overview of the Consumer Act 2019 stated that The consumer protection act 1986 now 2019:107 sections on several provisions provides for better protection of the interest of consumers and for that purpose to make provisions for the establishments of authorities and for the settlement if consumers disputes and the matters connected therewith.
Sangtam highlighted the Rights under the act, 2019 which include Right to safety, Right to be informed, Right to choose, Right to be heard Right to redressed, Right to consumer awareness.
She also highlighted that in some reliefs or remedies includes Removal of defects from the goods, Replacement if goods, Refund of price paid, Compensation of loss or injury suffered, Removal of deficient service and Stopping the sale of hazardous goods.
Advocate Sentiyanger Pongen spoke on Medical Negligence pointed out that there are many cases where there are malpractices and wrong medical procedures but many are neglected and these issues needs to be met and compensation and support should be provided. Pongen also highlighted that services from a company or corporation can also be addressed and also cautioned consumer to be careful while using electronic gadgets and be more careful with advertisements.
Source: Morungexpress