A Consumer Protection Awareness Programme was conducted at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Chozuba, for the teaching faculty and students of Classes 11 and 12.
Chairing the session, Keneinuo Swuro outlined the objectives of the programme and introduced the functioning of the Legal Services Authority. GHSS Principal Sedukholu Thisa, in her welcome address, acknowledged the continuous efforts of the Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) in spreading legal awareness. She expressed gratitude for the authority’s ongoing engagement, noting its positive impact on students over the years.
Delivering the keynote address, Shiekhozo Rhakho, Assistant Controller, LM&CP Phek, underscored that every individual is a consumer. He emphasised the importance of consumer rights awareness and highlighted how the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, now holds influencers and advertising agencies accountable for misleading promotions.
Resource speaker Mezivolu T. Therieh, District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson, Phek DLSA, elaborated on key provisions of the Act, stressing that consumer awareness includes knowing one’s rights and seeking justice. She discussed the six core consumer rights—safety, information, choice, hearing, redressal, and education—while advising students to always collect receipts and cash memos. She also explained the redressal mechanism, which includes District, State, and National Commissions, and their respective pecuniary jurisdictions.
An interactive session was conducted by Sekhotso Rokha, panel lawyer, PDLSA, who addressed queries raised by students. He urged consumers to be vigilant, check expiry dates and MRP, and be aware that even medical negligence falls under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The programme aimed to empower students as informed and responsible consumers in an increasingly complex marketplace.