Kohima, December 22 (MExN): The National Consumer Day (NCD) is annually observed on December 24 providing an opportunity for highlight the importance of the consumers’ movement and the need to make them more aware of their rights and responsibilities, particularly in the rural areas, informed the NVCO today.
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 received assent of the President of India on this day in 1986, stated the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) in a press release, calling the Act a “historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country.”
“A consumer is person or a body who buys or wants to buy goods, products and services mainly for personal, household or social use,” it said.
In the run-up to the day, the NVCO conducted a week-long observance of NCD in continuation of the campaign, ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ (‘Wake Up Consumer, Be Aware) with an objective to creating better awareness amongst the citizens in the state which is still lacking, it said.
Meanwhile, NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi said that it is the responsibility of everyone, more particularly with the government agencies and the state government has to play a vital role for promoting welfare of consumers and protection of their rights.
He also urged the state government to implement the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The NVCO also appealed to every citizen or consumer to always remain alert while buying goods and availing services and assured that the organisation would continually fight for the interest of consumers.
The organisation is set to reach out the rights of the consumers to every nook and corner in the state, it said.
It further informed that Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies, popularly known as Consumer Commissions are set up under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 as District, State and National level to provide simple and inexpensive quick redressal against consumer complaints.
A consumer can file complaint in the consumer commission against any defective goods purchased or deficient service rendered including restrictive or unfair trade practices adopted by any trader or person, it said.
With the 2019 Act, the state government is empowered to set up an alternative disputes resolution mechanism such as ‘Mediation’, etc.
Do not hesitate to call up Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll Free No. 1800-345-3701 or approach the consumer commission or state consumer disputes redressal commission to assert your rights, whenever necessary, the NVCO advised.
Only alert consumers can protect themselves and the society from the exploitation of trade and industry, it said adding: “Remember your own welfare now remain in your own hands.”
As the NCD falls on the eve of the greatest day – ‘Christmas’, the NVCO also extended greetings to every citizen a ‘Merry Christmas & a Prosperous New Year.”
Christmas is not only buying beautiful trees, presents, food, celebrate the birthday of Christ in churches but importantly a season showing and sharing love to someone who is desperate, lonely and depress - to give and share something who is in need, it said.
Let us look around and fulfill the true meaning of Christmas and being blessed, it added.
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