Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 15
Giving some useful hints to consumers in the state, the Directorate of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection (DLM&CP) Nagaland today asked them to demand accurate weights and measures in their purchase just as they demand accurate change from the cashier.
Marking the World Consumer Rights Day here today, it stated that giving short weight or measure is an offence under the Nagaland Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
“All weights, measures and weighing and measuring instruments are required to be verified periodically and stamped by the Inspector of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, under the law,” it stated.
While buying milk, see that you get the right quantity you have paid for. Short delivery of milk due to foam etc. is violation of the law, the directorate added.
Petrol pumps, being measuring instruments, are periodically checked by the Inspector of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection for accurate delivery of Petroleum products, it stated adding that in case of suspected short delivery, the matter should be reported to the Inspector of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection.
It advised that while buying a pre-packed commodity, ensure that it bears the name of the commodity, net contents, date of manufacture, packing, name of manufacturer/packer and the retail sale price. When such declarations are not marked/labeled on the body of the container or carton etc, it is an offence under the packaged commodities Rules, 2011.
“When buying land or a plot for house building, always buy in terms of hectares or square metres. Acres and yards are no longer recognized under the law,” the directorate informed. Meanwhile it said that while buying cooking gas, the net content should be marked on the gas cylinder and the seal should be intact.
The Consumer Protection Act 1986 provides for a separate three tier quasi-judicial consumer disputed redressal machinery at the national, state and district levels and is intended to provide simple, speedy and in expensive redressal for consumer grievances. Stating that the government is taking all steps including the basic infrastructure in protecting consumer’s interests, the directorate asked consumers to come forward and find their own solution to their problems.
“This will build confidence in them. Real success of consumer movement depends upon the active participation of the consumers because it is a people’s movement. Thus, every consumer is a must to become a volunteer on Consumerism,” it stated.
