Dimapur, July 3 (MExN): A consumer awareness programme was organized by the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority at Nousi Auditorium, Niathu Resort, Dimapur on July 3.
A DIPR report stated that Advisor for Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Good & Civil Supplies and NSDMA, Pukhayi Sumi who graced the programme as guest of honour while addressing the gathering stated that every individual is a consumer by birth and the awareness programme as such is the relations and duty between consumers and traders.
Reminding the duty of the businessmen to deliver genuine quality products to the consumers without denying their rights of the consumer, the Advisor said that Naga businessmen have a “mentality to become rich overnights.” He said that witnessing many people being referred to other cities for treatment of serious ailments is also related to consuming poor quality products. He also mentioned the importance of creating more awareness in all parts of the state.
Highlighting the functions of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection Department, Advisor said the Department is to safeguard the rights of the consumer by enforcing different Acts and Rules and the State Commission and District Forum were set up to address the complaint made by the consumer against unfair practices. Till March 31, 2019 the State Commission has disposed 150 consumer cases and the District Forum has disposed 635 cases in the state and the Department has verified about 13500 nos of various kinds of weighing and measuring instruments, he stated.
Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dimapur & Secretary, DDLSA, Ajongba Imchen, while delivering the keynote address said that the greatest weapon in the hands of the citizens to eradicate corruption are Lokayukta, RTI Act 2005 and Consumer Protection Act 1986.
Terming Indian constitution as the best constitution in the world that provides equal opportunities to all citizens of the country, Imchen said that there is a special provision for the Nagas that is Article 371A, which is like “gift to Naga people.” He however mentioned that despite extra provision the state is lacking behind in many sector when compared to other state.
Referring to Lokpal Bill he reminded the gathering that they live in a country where it took more than half a century to pass an anti corruption bill and further urged them to know their rights and to be confident enough. He said that there is an established procedure in all departments and institutions and the officials and elected members are to uphold the constitution and different agencies to protect its citizens whereas people are not satisfied as it is neither the Act nor the constitution but the people who were manning the Acts were to blame.
He therefore urged the citizens of the state to know their rights and approach the right forum. He also added that the DDLSA is committed to bring change and not failed anyone who ever came for legal advices and will continue to do so free of cost.
Short speeches were also delivered by EAC Chümoükedima Thejavizo Nakhro and President, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries. Other highlights of the event were a play on Consumer Rights by Dreamz Unlimited, I Believe by Vini Assumi & Welly Baruah from Nagaland Conservatory of Music and invocation prayer by pastor, Police Baptist Church, Chümoükedima, Rev. Manen.
