Two Day Workshop on Consumer Protection & Consumer Welfare.

IIPA, J& K Regional Branch in collaboration with Centre for Consumer Studies, IIPA New Delhi organized Two Day Workshop on “Consumer Protection & Consumer Welfare” on July 27-28, 2017. The Programme was inaugurated by Dr. M. K. Bhandari, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. The workshop was attended by over 140 delegates from various departments including Department of CAPD, Drugs & Food Control Organization, Legal Metrology, Health, Medical Care, Power Development Department, RTIC, JMC, J&K Bank Ltd, Private Nursing Homes, Co-operate Sector, Institution of Engineers, Institute of Dental Science, and ASCOMS.
Dr. M. K. Bhandari in his address emphasized on the fact that consumer protection is a topic which touches each one of us as consumer. However the problems of consumers are multiplying every day and new challenges are thrown on him. We have regulators appropriate to resolve consumer grievances but the same are riddled with problems and there are many gaps in the system. He said that appropriate legal and policy measures need to be established for civilization to flourish. The trade has an important role to play in an economy and that the trade should focus on the interest of the consumers and work towards the welfare of the society at large.
Prof. Suresh Misra, Chair-Professor & Coordinator, CCS, Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi made a presentation on “Consumer Protection and Consumer Welfare- an Overview”. He said that the problems related to consumers are multiplying and with consumers becoming more active better safety and protection measures are required which shall be covered under the new legislation. He highlighted the impact of globalization and liberalization on the consumers and how new technological developments have given rise to consumerism. Prof. Misra emphasized that only consumer education and awareness can empower the consumers. He proposed the establishment of consumer helpline wherein the consumer can get the advice and guidance for his grievance.
Earlier Shri Chander Gulati, Member, State Consumer Council, in his welcome address said that consumer protection and consumer awareness goes hand in hand and it is essential to put appropriate mechanisms in place in the interest of consumers. Other experts who spoke on day one included Dr. Sapna Chadah, Assistant Professor, CCS, IIPA. She traced the development of law and policy relating to consumer protection. Shri S.C. Sharma, Banking Ombudsman, RBI, Jammu spoke on issues related to Banking and Consumers. He highlighted the functioning of the Banking Ombudsman, how and when consumers approach the ombudsman, and what reliefs are granted by the ombudsman. Shri Tanuj Gupta spoke on Insurance Sector. He elaborated the rights of the insured and the dispute resolution mechanism in insurance sector. Er. JBS Johar presented the formal vote of thanks during the inaugural function.
On the Second day six sessions related to the theme of the workshop were held. In session on “Media and Consumer” by Prof Suresh Misra said media is the fourth pillar of democracy. They are eyes and ears of public. They highlight the issues and plights of the people and thus bring transparency and accountability in the system. However, the problem begins when the advertisement becomes false and misleading and violates consumers, right to safety, information and Choice. In the session on Food Safety and Consumer Shri Dev Dutt, Asstt Commissioner, Jammu elaborated the provision of Food Safety and Standard Act and the steps being taken to ensure food safety for consumers. There were sessions on “Legal Metrology and Consumers” by Shri Manoj Parbakar, Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department, “Medical Service and Consumers” by Dr.Sapna Chadah, “Telecommunication and Consumers” by Cdr Kulbhushan Sharma, BSNL, “Working of Consumer Redressal Agencies” Shri D. K. Kapoor, Member, J&K State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
“The government of Jammu & Kashmir considers its duty to protect the rights of the consumers and thus has taken various initiatives to protect and promote consumer sovereignty”, said Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs. While speaking at the valedictory function of the two day workshop he informed that the state government is taking proactive measures to strengthen the quasi-judicial machinery under the Act. There are also steps being taken to create separate directorate of Legal Metrology to ensure protection of consumer rights. Further he said that there is constant inspection of the petrol and diesel pumps being undertaken to avoid adulteration and unfair trade practices and stringent penalties are being imposed wherever some wrong is found.
Earlier Dr. Ashok Bhan, Patron, IIPA J&K Regional Branch in his address emphasized on focusing on capacity building programmes and said that IIPA can play a critical role in this direction. He said that lok adalats must be organized for consumer disputes and there is need for consumer awareness to empower consumers. Dr. C M Seth, Vice-Chairman, IIPA JK Regional Branch in his welcome address emphasized on the strengthening the role of enforcement agencies for better resolution of consumer grievances. Prof. Suresh Misra presented a detailed report on the proceedings of the two day workshop and emphasized on the establishment of State Level Consumer Helpline and introduction of consumer protection in school curriculum for empowering the youth. R. A. Inqlabi, Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs said that consumer responsibilities are as important as duties and we all need to be vigilant consumers. Er. J.B.S Johar presented the formal vote of thanks.