J&K TO HAVE CONSUMER HELPLINE

Addressing the participants on the Valediction of the Workshop on “Consumer Protection and Consumer Welfare” organised by J&K Regional Branch, IIPA in collaboration with Centre for Consumer Studies, IIPA, New Delhi Mr. Viqar Rasool, Minister of State, CA&PD said that there is a lot of exploitation of the consumers especially in villages and small towns. The vulnerable, uneducated and poor sections of the society who work hard to make the two ends meet are the main victims of fraud and cheating in the market. He highlighted some of the steps being taken by the state government for the upliftment of the present status of the consumers. He said that a Joint Director, Consumer Affairs has been appointed to deal exclusively with consumer matters. He said the government is also looking into the proposals to equip the redressal machinery under the J& K Consumer Protection Act, 1987 to make them more effective and also to remove discrepancies with central Act. He also announced setting up of State Consumer Helpline in the state to guide consumers on their problems. Dr. Ashok Bhan, Chairman, J&K Regional Branch, IIPA in his address said that looking at the state of consumers there is need for more vigorous initiatives to generate awareness on consumer issues. He suggested that measures like helpline, street plays in rural areas, booklets etc. are good medium for educating the masses.

In the deliberations during the day, Prof. Suresh Misra, Chair Professor & Coordinator, CCS, IIPA speaking on “Consumer Education and Awareness” said that Consumer education is a continuous learning process. It aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that everyone; it is need of the present consumer society. It helps to develop confidence and skills to complain effectively and resolve problems; better understand and manage the implication of his transactions and recognise the wider social and economic impact of our decisions. The government has taken various initiatives for creating awareness but that is not sufficient. Consumer protection requires involvement all the stakeholders. It needs simple strategies to take the awareness at the grassroot level like ‘each one teach one’. Involvement of schools, colleges and educational institutions is required as they can educate the students who can take awareness to various sections of the society.

Dr. Amit Kumar Singh, Research Officer, CCS, IIPA, New Delhi spoke on “Media and Consumers”. Nowadays Companies/Organizations are spending lots of money on advertising to promote their items and this has become a potent weapon to impart information regarding the products. Advertising now-a-days is extensively influencing the buying behavior of consumers. But problem arise when these advertisements become misleading. Ads today are half lies and misleads through wrong information. These misleading claims affect the consumers’ rights to safety, information and choose. They cause financial loss, physical damage, mental agony and are hazardous to life and safety of person. He highlighted legal provisions to deal with false advertising and also suggested certain measures for consumers to be cautious while believing these ads.

Dr Sapna Chadah, Assistant Professor, CCS, IIPA presenting on “Medical Negligence and Consumer” informed that the services of doctors, nurses and hospitals fall under the purview of Consumer Protection Act and if a consumer suffers due to negligence and deficiency on part of doctors can file a complaint under the Act. She elaborated the duties of the doctors towards the patients. She explained the concept of medical negligence with a number of cases decided by the Supreme Court and National Commission. She said that the consumers need to be vigilant and cautious while availing services of the doctors and must ask t to provide them copy of their medical records; which is also their right.

Mr. D.S. Pawar, J&K SERC speaking on “Electricity and Consumer” provided an overview of regulatory framework for electricity sector and provided an outline of the provisions of J& K Electricity Act, 2010 as it affects the consumers. He elaborated the rights and duties of consumers of electricity. He also explained the redressal available to the consumers of electricity. He explained the redressal mechanism for electricity complaints under electricity Act and Consumer Protection Act. He informed the participants about the standards developed for the electricity related grievances under the J&K Electricity Act, 2010 and Consumer Protection Act.

Shri B.L. Saraf, District & Session Judge (Retd.) provided an overview of the working of the consumer redressal agencies in the state of J&K. Explaining the structure under the J&K Consumer Protection Act, 1987. He highlighted the commonalities and differences in the structure between the Central and State Acts. He also highlighted the problematic areas in the functioning of the forums in the state and what needs to be done to make it more effective and efficient. He lamented that unless more teeth are given to the mechanism the consumer faith in the system cannot be established. Earlier Dr C.M.Seth, Vice Chairman welcomed the guests at the valedictory function.

Shri J.B.S, Johar, Hony. Secretary, J&K Regional Branch, IIPA proposed the vote of thanks.