Seminar stresses protection of consumer rights

Rourkela: The government should protect consumers’ interest, apart from ensuring accountability and efficiency for both the Government and the corporate sector, said speakers at a function here today organised to mark National Consumers’ Day.

To create awareness among students about consumer rights and functioning of its redressal mechanism, H K Ray Mahavidyalaya (HKRM) today observed the National Consumers Day. It was organised by Rourkela Consumers’ Front (RCF).

Jugal Kishore Acharya, an advocate and consumer activist, spoke on Consumers Protection Act, 1986. Consumers, clients and customers always demand value for their money in the form of quality goods and better services, he added. He also said consumers’ rights empower them to seek legal recourse to claim loss or defect in the goods they purchase.

With the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act in 1986, RCF helps consumers take advantage of redressal the system. It ensures speedy settlement of grievances within 90 days.

A consumer is entitled to file case in the district redressal forum and if dissatisfied with order, he/she can move the State Commission and National Commission, Acharya added.

“Before filing a case, one should make sure that he/she has documentary evidence like correct bill receipt or any written receipt from the seller, which will make the judicial proceedings easy,” he noted.

Among others, Rabindranath Mishra, ADM, Rourkela, Bhabesh Chandra Sahoo, Principal, HKRM, Sudhir Sundar Ray, President, RCF, Mihir Ray, Secretary, RCF, Rajat Choudhary, Consumer Activist, Ajay Jena, DIPRO, Rourkela and students of HKRM were present.