Kohima, December 21 (MExN): The National Consumer Day on December 24 will be observed in Nagaland in unison with the rest of the country. The Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection Department is the Nodal Department for the protection of consumer rights in the state.
Bizo M. Kuotsu, Joint Controller & HoD, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Kohima in a press release informed that the Legal Metrology Act & Rules and the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 were enacted by the Government of India and are being implemented and enforced by the department for the protection of consumers against exploitation by unscrupulous traders and to save consumers from the sub-standard goods and services.
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 also ensures that the consumer grievances can be addressed at the consumer courts in the state i.e., the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (District Fora) in the districts and the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (State Commission) at Kohima. Consumers can also seek guidance on consumer related queries from the Nagaland State Consumer Helpline office through the Toll Free No. 1800-345-3701 and land line phone No. 0370-2292232.
Honour rights of consumers: NVCO
While making preparation to celebrate the ‘National Consumer Day’ on December 24, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has made an appeal to the state government to honour the rights of the consumers with a demand to implement certain demands.
Demanding the state government to introduce electronic weighing machine, NVCO in a press release alleged that “traders continually cheat the consumers especially the butchers in their weight.” The Organisation cited that few days ago, President of NVCO Kezhokhoto Savi had detected practice of unfair means by the butcher shops situated near Sukrozie market, near fire brigade, Kohima.
NVCO has also made demand to implement National Food Security Act 2013 in a fair and justice manner to the beneficiaries; introduce Public Services delivery; stop the practices of illegal collection of cash at the check-gates and on highways and stop the selling of lottery tickets, buffet ticket, packed cook meat, selling calendars, selling newspaper by way of asking donations, voucher donations, etc.
NVCO Press & Media Cell also added in the press release that it further insist to establish Lokayukta in the state; constitute State Human Rights Commission; provide slaughter house with proper drainage and clean environment; control prices at a reasonable and proper rate; effectively implement the Essential of Commodities Act in the state; and introduce Direct Transfer Beneficiary system in SK oil (kerosene) so as to avoid fuel adulteration in the state.
