An awareness program on Consumer rights organised by Nagaland State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in collaboration with Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides was held today at the State Training Centre, Nerhema, Kohima.
The program was attended by members of Bharat Scouts and Guides from across the State along with the participation of 150 Scout and Guides.
In his introductory speech, Justice S.Hukato Swu President, Nagaland State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission highlighted importance of the Commission of a state with every citizens being consumers. “Consumer is not only confined to what we eat, it embraces in the arena of overall problem be it related to exorbitant prices or to health related issues. Consumer court is placed in each and every district and easily available to help the public. This is a benevolent act and whenever one has legal issue and is confused, the children present can also be an advocate and can write a complain or file it,” stated the Justice. One can approach even for medical issues and medical negligence, cited the Speaker adding that the biggest issue in today’s society is online scams and fraudulent businesses.
Assuring that the Commission is ready to help anytime when a consumer is facing problems, Justice Swu underscored the importance of creating more awareness for the public to know their rights and responsibilities with everything being commercialised. He also appealed the Bharat Scouts and Guides to guide people towards consumer rights.
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Speaking on the E-Commerce :Liabilities & Mediation, Advocate Sunjeb Rana briefed on the increasing cases of online scams and frauds. “Customers should be aware of their rights and what the product is offering. In Nagaland, if we are not aware of where to complain it becomes an issue. No one wants to take the trouble of going to office and filing a complaint or even get entangled in those situations but keep on complaining,” stated the Advocate. While many lack awareness, Rana reminded that everyone can fight for themselves for free of cost through the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. “It is not about the amount of what you buy but about how well we are informed,” said Rana.
Apila Sangtam (Adv.), who provided an overview of the Consumer Act 2019, highlighted the rights under the Act: Right to safety, Right to be informed, Right to choose, Right to be heard, Right to redressed, and Right to consumer awareness. The reliefs or remedies under the Act includes: Removal of defects from the goods; Replacement if goods; Refund of price paid; Compensation of loss or injury suffered; Removal of deficiency service and stopping the sale of hazardous goods.
Speaking on medical negligence, Sentiyanger Pongen (Adv.) stated that many malpractices and wrong medical procedures are often neglected and therefore these issues needs to be dealt with the provision of compensation and support. “In Nagaland we have a phobia where people think that people who suffer because of medical negligence is because it is Gods will but they should know that when there are human errors, they can be compensated and taken to court,” stated Pongen.
During the event, Rüguozelie Paphino Registrar (Acting) NSCDRC pronounced the vote of thanks while Er. Thepfuzakie Angami, State Secretary,NSBS&G pronounced the welcome address and Pearly Shohe, Guide Captain chaired the program.
