Dignitaries with participants of consumer awareness programme at Kohima College on August 18. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 18
A consumer awareness programme under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumer” was held on August 18 at Kohima College under the aegis of the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection (LMCP), Kohima in collaboration with Economics and Commerce Department, Kohima College.
In Nagaland, LMCP department is responsible for enforcing standards in weights and measures, preventing commercial malpractices and addressing consumer grievances.
Addressing the gathering as the resource person, Sunjib Rana, Advocate & Panel Lawyer, Kohima District Legal Services Authority said that Consumer Protection Act does not limit only to buying, selling of products. It covers everything, economy, and all round development.
Asking the students to be confident consumers, he said, “Once we are informed, we are aware, we become a confident consumer. And once you become a confident consumer, you will get the best product which is safe for you.”
A consumer has the right to choose between products, he said adding “If you have any complaint with regard to product, or deficiency of service, or unfair trade practice, then you can always approach the consumer court.”
Rana said that the product that we buy has to be in the top most list of safety. “Don't buy a product in a hurry, which will be unsafe for us,” he said.
Also asking the students to be aware of the misleading advertisement, he said that the companies who are manufacturing goods or products should not advertise misleading contents.
Little amount of evidence can save so many things or it will help us not to fall into traps, he added.
‘Department forbids unfair trade practices’
In keynote address, Shiekhozo, Assistant Controller, LMCP Kohima said that the Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection play a crucial role in ensuring fair trade practices, accurate measurements and safeguarding consumer rights.
Stating that the department protects the interest of the consumers, he said “We create awareness, we educate the people, the public, the students, schools, colleges, and all sections of the society. Because, your right is very important.”
“We enforce the Acts and Rules. We protect the economy,” he said adding that the department forbids the traders to do unfair commercial practices.
“When you know your rights as a consumer, then the traders will not be in a position to cheat you. They cannot perform unfair trade,” he said.
Viksit Bharat is a vision of India to become a developed nation by 2047, he said adding that even the Nagaland state government is focusing to be a developed state by 2047.
Stating that Viksit Bharat does not only mean having infrastructure, good roads, good buildings, he said “It includes every sector- education, human resource, economy.”
“The economy of our people becomes very important and the awareness of the consumers becomes very important,” he said adding that the LMCP department emphasizes on accuracy, providing a safe marketplace and educating the consumers to know their rights.
The department stated that by strategically aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047’s vision, Nagaland’s LMCP department can transform from a regulatory body to a technology- driven facilitator for fair trade and consumer empowerment and contribute to Viksit Bharat’s goals of transparent governance, digital economy and enhanced quality of all life for all citizens.
‘Don’t be a silent consumer’
Kohima College principal Dr. Vitsosie Vupru maintained that consumers are the king of the marketplace.
“But unless we are aware of our rights and responsibilities, we cannot contribute to the society at large.”
He thanked the LMCP department and the KDLSA for reaching out to the students of Kohima College on consumer rights.
Chairing the programme, Dr Meyisangla Longkumer, Assistant Professor, Economics Department, Kohima College said that this awareness program aim to gain knowledge about consumer rights, products, standards, importance of vigilance and legal rights.
“Unsafe products not only harm individuals but also distort and weaken the entire system,” Dr Longkumer said and asked the students not to be a silent consumer but be informed and ready to act.”
Kongkhao presented a special number while vote of thanks was proposed by Er Silo Jemu, Inspector, LMCP, Kohima.
