DIMAPUR, MARCH 14 (MExN): The President of the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation(NVCO) and Project Manager for the Nagaland State Consumer Helpline, Kezhokhoto Savi has informed on the availability of helplines for consumers in the state.
A press note stated that the State Government in partnership with the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation(NVCO) had officially launched the Nagaland State Consumer Helpline on December 24 at Old Assembly Secretariat in Kohima.
He stated that the Nagaland State Consumer Helpline is an alternative consumer dispute redressal mechanism which is functional through a toll free telephone No. 1800 - 345 – 3701, where a citizen can call and seek information, advice or guidance for his day to day consumer problems. He added that this helpline would provide counseling on all products and services and would develop data base information relating to the state.
The note also stated that the National Consumer Helpline(NCH) which was set up on the occasion of ‘World Consumer Rights Day’ on March 15, 2005 at the University of Delhi provides information, advice and guidance to the consumers who are calling through a national Toll Free No. 1800-11-4000(MTNL/BSNL). It was informed that the state helpline counselor is expected to give the appropriate answer by way of advice or proper guidance instantly over the phone. The note said that in case the Helpline counselor could not deliver immediate answer, then “sometime may be given to Helpline office to find the best answer or solution by way of seeking advices from project manager or national helpline to provide proper advice or guidance.”
Savi said that NCH is receiving calls from every part of the country and covers various services and products like Banking, Telecom, Insurance, Electricity, PDS, LPG, Postal, Courier, Transport, etc. It also includes complaints related to MRP, labeling, weight and measurement etc. As a matter of policy approach, the NCH is working on the basis of a three-tier system of redressal of consumer grievances.
He added that at the first instance, the complainant is advised to take up the matter with the concerned trader, manufacturer or company. In case, his problem still remains unresolved, he is advised to approach the respective trade associations, industry regulations, ombudsman, and the concerned Government departments relating to the industry. It is only as a last resort that the complainant is advised to approach the consumer forum.
The NVCO President stated that when a citizen approaches the market as a consumer, they expect value for money i.e right quality, right quantity, right price, information about the mode of use, etc. He informed that the consumer may be supplied with goods which do not perform as per their description or have one or more defects. Likewise, in case of services, there may be deficiency. Savi said that the success of any consumer movement depends on the consciousness and awareness of the masses of the state including rural consumers. He called upon individuals, government and non-government organizations to “work hand-in-hand for educating the people especially the rural consumers, so that the consumers’ hard earned money is not wasted.”
