Kohima, 19 December (MTNews): As the nation marks National Consumer Rights Day on December 24th, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization (NVCO) has brought attention to the lack of infrastructure for the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (State Commission) over the past several years. NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi, Advocate, highlighted the challenges faced by the State Commission, operating without a dedicated facility and conducting cases in temporary locations such as Circuit House Kohima and, more recently, the Dimapur District Court.
President Savi expressed concern over the absence of independent District Commissions, revealing that the District Principal/Session Judge holds dual responsibilities and intermittently handles consumer cases. Furthermore, the establishment of consumer disputes redressal commissions in new districts is yet to be realized, he said.
Savi emphasized that the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, introduced valuable facilities for consumers, including electronic filing, e-commerce provisions, and the establishment of mediation cells attached to each consumer disputes redressal commission. However, he lamented the state government’s inertia in implementing these enhancements.
Despite the potential benefits of the new Act, President Savi underscored the lack of awareness among consumers in Nagaland. He urged the state government to take prompt action to set up the mentioned facilities and enhance awareness to ensure the effective implementation of consumer rights.
National Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on December 24 to commemorate the approval of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. President Savi explained that the day serves as an opportunity to underscore the importance of the consumer movement, emphasizing the need to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities, especially in rural areas.
As part of its observance, NVCO conducts a week-long awareness program, aiming to educate citizens about their rights as consumers. President Savi highlighted the fundamental role consumers play in the market, and he encouraged consumers to be vigilant and assert their rights against defective goods, deficient services, or unfair trade practices.