Two Day Workshop on “Consumer Protection & Consumer Welfare” held on September 11&12, 2015

IIPA, J& K Regional Branch in collaboration with Centre for Consumer Studies, IIPA New Delhi organized Two Day Workshop on “Consumer Protection & Consumer Welfare” during September 11-12, 2015. The Programme was inaugurated by Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu.

Dr. Pawan Kotwal in his address emphasized on the fact that appropriate legal measures need to established for civilizations to flourish. He said that 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 and setting up of Grahak Suvidha Kendra which can act as a single window clearance for all consumer grievances.

Earlier Prof Alka Sharma, Director (Seminars), IIPA J&K Regional Branch in her 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 Khan Roshan Khayal, Vice-President – Law, J&K Bank Ltd spoke on issues related to Banking and Consumers and Cdr (Retd) Kulbhushan Sharma, DGM, BSNL spoke on issues related to Consumers and Internet Service Providers. Er. JBS Johar presented the formal vote of thanks during the inaugural function. Dr. Komal Nagar, Joint Director (Seminars) and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA conducted the proceedings during the day.

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 Jenab Ch. Zulfikar Ali, Minister of CAPD and Tribal Affairs while speaking at the valedictory function of the two day workshop. He informed that the state government is taking proactive measures to introduce new legislation that will ensure protection of consumer rights. Further he said that a state level consumer protection authority shall be established in the near future and also a proposal to establish an independent directorate of consumer affairs has already been submitted.

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. Dr. C M Seth, Vice-Chairman, IIPA JK Regional Branch in his welcome address emphasized on the strengthening the role of enforcement agencies and shared the genesis of IIPA. Prof. Suresh Misra presented a detail report on the proceedings of the two day workshop and emphasized on the establishment of State Level Consumer Helpline and Grahak Suvidha Kendra. Mr. G S Chib, Director, CAPD, Jammu was also present on the occasion. The members presented during the workshop interacted with the eminent resource persons. Er. J.B.S Johar presented the formal vote of thanks. Dr. Komal Nagar, Joint Director (Seminars) and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA conducted the proceedings during the day.

Earlier during the day seven sessions related to the theme of the workshop were held. These included “Consumer Education and Awareness” by Prof Suresh Misra, “Legal Metrology Department - Expectations of Consumers” by Shri Manoj Parbakar, Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department, “Drugs Food Safety & Standards-Consumers” by Smt Lotika Khajuria, Dy Controller, Drugs & Food Control Organization, Jammu, “Medical Service and Consumers” by Dr Sapna Chadah, “Electricity and Consumers” by Er D.S.Pawar former member J&K SERC, “Consumers & Role of Consumer Welfare Association” by Er Vikram Gour, President, CWA , “Working of Consumer Redressal Agencies” Shri D.K. Kapoor, Member, J&K State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

The workshop was attended by over 100 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, Corporate Sector, Institution of Engineers, Institute of Dental Science, and Acharaya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences.