Kohima, December 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) will observe National Consumer Day on December 24 at the state capital.
Informing this in a press release, NVCO president and civil rights & duties awareness campaigner, Kezhokhoto Savi maintained that the success of any consumer movement depends on the consciousness and awareness of the masses of the state, including rural consumers. The consumers, he stated, should be taught to check quality marks on the products they purchase so that they do not fall prey to "greedy" traders.
“They should be taught to take receipt after purchase and check the expiry date of an item. It is required that the individuals, government and non-government organisations should work hand-in-hand for educating the people especially the rural consumers, so that their hard earned money is not wasted,” Savi opined.
He also informed of the Nagaland State Consumer Helpline, which was launched on December 24, 2011 coinciding with the celebration of National Consumer Day.
The helpline provides counselling on all products and services and develops database information relating to the State. An alternate consumer dispute redressal mechanism, it functions through a toll free number 1800-345-3701, where a citizen can call and seek information, advice or guidance for his/her day to day consumer problems.
The Nagaland State Consumer Helpline situated at D-Block, 2nd Floor, Khonoma Rufuno Building, below NCS’s office, Kohima has been receiving calls from all over the districts as it is the only consumer helpline in the state, the release said.
“This helpline is receiving calls covering various services and products like banking, telecom, insurance, national food security, LPG, postal, courier, transport including complaints related to MRP, labelling, price-rise, sub-standard goods in the market, weight and measurement etc,” it was further informed.
At the first instance, the complainants are advised to take up the matter with the concerned trader, manufacturer or company. In case their problem still remains unresolved, they are advised to approach the respective trade associations, industry regulations, Ombudsman and the concerned government departments relating to the industry, it added.
“It is only as last resort that the complainant is advised to approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum or State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission depending on pecuniary jurisdiction.”
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