The significance of “National Consumer Day” is that on December 24 in the year 1986, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, had received assent of the President of India now replaced by Consumer Protection Act 2019. The Act is considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country. Every year 24th December is observed as “National Consumer Day” and the observation of the day provides an opportunity for highlighting the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make the consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities, particularly in the rural areas.
A consumer is a person or a body who buys or wants to buy goods, products and services mainly for personal, household or social use. This year, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) had conducted a week-long observance of National Consumers Day in continuation of the campaign, ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ which means ‘wake up consumer, be aware’ with an object to create better awareness amongst the citizens in the state which is still lacking.
The President of Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) Kezhokhoto Savi said that the responsibility of this rests with all of us, and more particularly with the government agencies and the state government has to play a vital role for promoting welfare of consumers and protection of their rights and also urged the state government to implement the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The NVCO appeal to every citizen/consumer to always remain alert while buying goods and availing services. The NVCO assured the citizens that the organisation will continually fight for the interest of consumers and it is all set to reach out the rights of the consumers to every nook and corner in the state.
Consumer disputes redressal agencies (popularly) known as consumer commissions are set up under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 at District, State and National level to provide simple and inexpensive quick redressal against consumer complaints.
A consumer can file a complaint in the consumer commission against any defective goods purchased or deficient service rendered including restrictive/unfair trade practices adopted by any trader/person.
And with the new Act (2019) the state government is empowered to set up an alternative disputes resolution mechanism such as ‘Mediation’, etc. Do not hesitate to call up Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll Free No. 1800-345-3701 or approach the consumer commission or state consumer disputes redressal commission to assert your rights, whenever necessary.
Only alert consumers can protect themselves and the society from the exploitation of Trade & Industry. Remember, your own welfare now remains in your own hands.
As the National Consumer Rights Day falls on the eve of Christmas, the NVCO take this opportunity to wish every citizen a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Issued by:
Press & Media Cell, NVCO