Kohima, August 21 (MExN): A team led by Professor-in-Charge Kezhokhoto Savi of Kohima Law College conducted Citizen Rights’ Awareness programme at Chakhesang Baptist Church Minister’s Hill Kohima on August 20. The programme covered topics such as National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, RTI in promoting transparency and accountability, consumer awareness, Lokayukta, Food Safety and Standard Act 2006 etc.
Speaking on NFSA 2013, the team expressed sadness that some of the Fair Price Shops and colonies in the town were charging Rs.5/- to Rs.6/- per kg of rice contrary to the correct price of Rs.3/- per kg of rice. As per the National Food Security Act, it was stated, rice is to be sold at Rs.3/- per kg, wheat at Rs.2/- per kg, and cereal at Rs.1/- per kg, a press release from Kezhokhoto Savi stated.
Informing that more than 14 lakh of the citizens in Nagaland will be availing the food grains under NFSA, the team appealed to allow more citizens to apply for ration cards except the rich family and high ranking officers in government departments.
The team also questioned the State government whether the Food Commission is constituted and whether the district officer to look into the complaints and grievances of the beneficiaries is designated especially for Kohima and Dimapur. It further asked what the commission of Fair Price Shops is – either in terms of number of ration cards or amount of money paid to them.
The team urged the State Department of Food & Civil Supplies to immediately look into the complaint of overcharging by FPS. The State Government was also asked to conduct awareness program for the dealers of Fair Price Shops and town colony leader/GBs on National Food Security Act 2013 so as not to misuse the Act.
The Government is also required to urgently establish ‘Lokayukta’ in the state so as to check the politicians and public servants who have misappropriated or misused public funds, the release stated.
The team further termed RTI Act 2005 as one of the most powerful tools that has been provided to the citizens of the country. The object of passing RTI was to secure access to information under the control of public authorities in order to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of every public authority, curtail corruption and make our democracy work for the people in the real sense, it was highlighted.
It further pointed out that an informed citizen will be better equipped to keep necessary vigil on the instruments of the government and make government more accountable to the governed. The team urged to make the best use of the Act for a future where “we can achieve transparency, accountability, corruption-free and democracy to prevail in it truest sense.”
Speaking on the Consumer Protection Act 1986, the team said that the main objective of the Act is to protect consumers from defective goods, unsatisfactory services, unfair trade practices, etc. “One has to be aware of his/her consumer rights as our markets are full of duplicate products, lack of safety devices especially electrical goods, devices and appliances are of poor quality without any safety, etc,” they stated.
Stating that the awareness of consumer rights and duties rests with all and particularly with the government agencies, the team stressed that the State government has to play a vital role for the welfare and protection of its consumers.
For further query and guidance regarding consumers grievances, one can call Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll Free No. 1800-345-3701.
