Kohima, 15 March (MTNews): The Kohima Law College, in collaboration with the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization (NVCO), celebrated World Consumer Rights Day on 15 March with this year’s global theme – ‘Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers’. More than 150 law students attended the function, each dressed in traditional attire to symbolize their respect for consumer rights and their quest for protection from unfair practices and exploitation by unscrupulous traders. The event was chaired by Rhonbeni Kikon, with the invocation led by Maryiena Nsu.
In his keynote address, NVCO President and Assistant Professor Kezhokhoto Savi emphasized the significance of the 2024 theme, stating that as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, it is crucial to develop and use AI systems ethically, ensuring accountability and inclusivity to keep pace with technological advancements. He highlighted the historic milestone of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, in the consumer movement in India and noted that the country has since taken several initiatives to protect consumer rights and provide effective redressal mechanisms.
He further explained that the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, has replaced its predecessor, introducing significant changes to enhance consumer protection, including the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) empowered to investigate violations, institute complaints, order recalls of unsafe goods and services, and impose penalties for misleading advertisements.
Savi stressed the importance of understanding basic consumer rights, such as the right to protection from hazardous goods and services, the right to be fully informed about product quality, the right to free choice, the right to participate in decision-making processes, the right to seek redressal, and the right to consumer education.
The event included a short skit performed by final-year LLB students depicting a scenario where a shopkeeper sells expired goods, leading to a consumer complaint before the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
Additionally, Wangshimeren Pongen gave a presentation on Food Safety based on the Food Safety and Standards Act, and Vikeduo Kire presented on Food Security based on the National Food Security Act. Sujata, Assistant Professor at Kohima Law College, delivered the closing remarks.