On 28th March, 2012 NVCO team led by its President Kezhokhoto Savi submits a representation the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur under the subject – “Complaint against the rise in prices of essential commodities & building materials particularly the enhancement of cement by Rs.15 per bag and the use of LPG domestic connection in hotels, restaurant, hostels, etc.
The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization(NVCO) in their representation highlighted the grievances of the general public in regard to the rise in price in the state particularly Dimapur which affects all the citizens in the state. Dimapur is the commercial hub/gate way to Nagaland. We are aware that the rise in price both essential and non-essential commodities cannot be avoided but this time the rise in price of cement increased by Rs.15/- per bag was exorbitant and cannot be tolerated. The NVCO questioned the district administration as to why it was so necessary to increase by Rs.15/- per bag at a time when the district administration terribly fails to check many loophole such as weighing of cement per bag as it was never given proper/accurate weight to consumer/buyers, sub-standard & expiry cement where the cement are not fit to use after three months(several incidents in Kohima), Date of packing/manufactured are removed when it reaches Dimapur/Nagaland.
In the state function of the World Consumer Rights Day at Hotel Japfü Kohima on 15th March, 2012 and another program at Nagaland College of Teacher Education on 17th March, 2012 as part of World Consumer Rights Day celebration every participant is of the view that the enhancement of Rs.15/- per bag in cement was exorbitant and if the general public remain silent then it would create a very bad precedent and the government particularly District Administration and traders would take advantage of consumers’ silent. A Book entitled – “Consumer is King : Know Your Rights & Duties” prepared and compiled by Shri. Kezhokhoto Savi Advocate & President NVCO was distributed in both the programs. The participants also complaint about the shortage of LPG supply particularly domestic connection and shared that the major cause of shortage is the restaurant, hotels, hostels, etc continually use LGP domestic connection instead of commercial connection which deprived the shares of the general kitchens.
Earlier the Organisation had received a representation dated 15.03.2012 under the subject – ‘Demand for immediate reduce of cement rate’ submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Nagaland by the Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU). The said representation clearly stated that it affect the general public and increased by Rs.15/- at a time just by railway freight charges is beyond believable. We are all aware of the Naga Hoho press statement about the price rise particularly cement stating that inflation on cement by Rs.15/- per bag was exorbitant and it has also created confusion in the minds of the innocent public that whether the DC has the prerogative to fix the rate for cement.
The Organisation(NVCO) in their representation sincerely request the DC Dimapur to immediate take necessary actions and reduce the rate of cement, streamline & conduct surprise check to avoid the use of LPG domestic connections in hotels, restaurant & hostels, etc.
Sd/-
Kezhokhoto Savi
Advocate & President NVCO
