Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: A seminar on “Rights and Duties of the Consumer” was organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch, on the occasion of World Consumer Day. The programme was attended by members from consumer organizations and officers from Legal Metrology Department, CAPD, Drugs Controller, Food Safety and members of IIPA and civil society.
Amit Sharma, Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Jammu, who was the chief guest, stated that the department would work towards systematic changes through e-governance platforms so as to make the system more consumer friendly and transparent. He highlighted the success of EPDS and also said that the department would shortly introduce GPS devices on trucks carrying essential commodities which would be monitored by Command & Control Centers to prevent pilferage. He elaborated on a series of steps including introduction of mobile milk testing labs, shifting of oil storage depot at Narwal etc which are under implementation for consumer welfare.
In his presidential remarks Dr C M Seth, Vice Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch, highlighted the role of stakeholders for protection of consumer rights.
Earlier, Er S K Gupta, president Consumer Welfare Association Jammu, introduced the theme. He explained the definition of Consumers, their rights and the mechanism for redressal of their grievances.
Ram Anand, general secretary, Consumer Welfare Association, Jammu, in his presentation, stressed on the importance of an invoice for all purchases.
D K Kapoor, Member, J&K State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, spoke on consumer disputes and redressal. He stated that all taxpayers fall within the definition of a consumer. He suggested for initiation of steps to increase consumers aware of their rights and also the legal remedies available to them. He clarified about the difference in civil cases and consumer cases.
Manoj Parbhakar, Deputy Controller, Department of Legal Metrology, Jammu, spoke on the Role of Legal Metrology & Consumers and cited examples of practical steps initiated by his department for consumer protection. He specifically mentioned about standardization of packaging across various products including breads.
Mohammad Qasim Wani, Director, Food Civil Supplies and Consumers, highlighted the practical procedural difficulties faced by consumers in redressal of their grievances.
Vikrant Kuthiala presented the formal vote of thanks.
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