Kezhokhoto Savi
Kohima
The significance of “National Consumer Day” is that on December 24 in the year 1986, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, had received assent of the President of India. The Act is considered to be a historic milestone in the country. Every year 24th December is observed as “National Consumer Day” and the observation of the day 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. This year the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation(NVCO) along with the department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection(LMCP), Govt. of Nagaland had conducted a week-long observance of National Consumers Day from 18th -24th Dec, 2020 with the national theme- “The Sustainable Consumer” The slogan – ‘An alert consumer is an asset to the nation’ speaks volumes on this occasion. Despite of National Consumer Day falls on the eve of Christmas i.e 24th Dec, 2020, the State of Nagaland is giving so much importance as the day is going to observe in various ways in all the district under the initiative of Assistant Controller in the district offices. The moment a person comes into this world, he/she starts consuming such as he/she needs milk, clothes, oil, soap, water and many more things and these needs keep taking one form or the other all along his 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 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 deficiency.
A vigilant consumer can contribute in 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. As the President of Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation(NVCO) Kezhokhoto Savi make an appeal to every citizen/consumer to always remain alert while buying goods and availing services. The NVCO assured the citizens that the organisation will continually fight for the interest of consumers and it is all set to reach out the rights of the consumers to every nook and corner in the state. Consumer disputes redressal agencies(popularly) known as consumer forums are set up under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 as District, State and National level to provide simple and inexpensive quick redressal against consumer complaints and now the state government must implement the Consumer Protection Act 2019 which has already replace the Consumer Protection Act 1986. A consumer can file complaint in the consumer forum against any defective goods purchased or deficient service rendered including restrictive/unfair trade practices adopted by any trader/person. Normally a complaint is to file within two years from the date on which cause of action arose. 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. Therefore, do not hesitate to call up Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll Free No. 1800-345-3701 or approach the consumer forum or state consumer disputes redressal commission to assert your rights, whenever necessary. Only alert consumers can protect themselves and the society from the exploitation of Trade & Industry. Remember, your own welfare now remain in your own hands.
The writers is President NVCO and a recipient of First Prize National Award for Consumer Protection
