YINGKIONG, 29 Jan: A consumer awareness programme themed ‘Empowering consumers, enriching lives’ was conducted by the department of legal metrology and consumer affairs (LM&CA), in collaboration with the Upper Siang district administration, at the multipurpose hall here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, LM&CA Secretary Mige Kamki highlighted the importance of responsible consumer behaviour, health and hygiene, and consumer awareness. He exhorted the participating schoolchildren to internalise the knowledge gained during the programme, stating that such awareness would remain with them for life and help them grow into committed and responsible consumers aware of their rights and duties.
Kamki emphasised that increased consumer awareness would improve the quality of goods in the local markets. He underlined the need to activate the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum wherever they exist, and to establish them in districts where they are yet to be set up.
LM&CA Controller Minte Siga briefed the participants on the department’s activities and achievements, highlighting its role in empowering consumers. He stated that the department functions as a quasi-judicial and compensatory authority for consumer dispute redressal and enforcement of standards related to weights and measures. He reiterated that consumer awareness is the key to preventing fraudulent practices.
Yingkiong ADC Naatek Nonaang suggested that such awareness programmes should be organised also in market areas and public spaces to ensure wider public participation and outreach.
Pasighat ACLM Techi Bida shared real-life consumer experiences and appealed to the public to remain vigilant.
During the programme, a live demonstration of fraudulent practices and product imitation cases was conducted by LM&CA Inspector Rakesh Tekseng and Pasighat LM PA Sangio Toru.
Among others, the programme was attended by Upper Siang SP Token Saring, heads of departments, government officials, shopkeepers, schoolchildren, and representatives of community-based organisations. (DIPRO)
