Itanagar, Mar 15: The World Consumer Rights Day was observed on Thursday across the state by the Legal Metrology and consumer Affairs department.
At Aalo: The day was celebrated by the department in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) Aalo unit and District Sports Association at the general ground and Gumin Kiin.
A mini marathon race, themed “A Run for Consumer Rights” was held from Aalo general ground to Kabu and back. It was flagged off by West Siang Deputy Commissioner, Swetika Sachan. Around hundred enthusiastic boys and girls took part in the race.
Attending the occasion, Aalo ADC Sode Potom called on consumers to know their rights and privileges as enshrined in the consumer protection act and asked the department to launch such awareness in the rural areas where people are ignorant about these rights.
DIPRO Gijum Tali stressed on checking unregulated abrupt price rice in traditional attires, artefacts and ornaments to make it affordable to the poorer section of the society, while APWWS secretary Hoksum Ori spoke on Consumer Protection Act and procedure to file consumer cases at the district, state and national level courts.
ACLM Jomba Kamgo Lobom informed that, so far 227 cases have been taken up by the department despite launching more than 70 awareness camps in the district.
LM&CA Inspector Toyir Riba presented a detailed practical demonstration on weights and measures, cooking gas, adultery in petrol and diesel, packed commodities, etc.
At Roing: The day was observed at Kankong village near Shantipur check gate in Lower Dibang Valley district in a befitting manner. The villagers, PRI members, Gaon Burahs, women and traders of Kangkong and Shantipur check gate area, who participated in the programme were given information on laws relating to consumer protection, Legal Metrology Act 2009 regarding weights and measures, various rights of consumers and information on how to approach the district forum in case of complaints.
ACLM CS Singpho explained about the digital market places that are fair and safe. He said that to create a better digital world for everyone, one should always demand a cash memo or bill copy with GST registration number. He also informed the house about the change in prices of goods post GST and advised all to check before making a purchase.
Singpho also explained about the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011 as regards to mandatory declaration of net content, MRP, name and address of manufacturer, date and year of packing etc. He stated that the manufacturers of packaged commodities which do not carry the mandatory declaration can be booked on the basis of the said law and cautioned all to follow the laid down rules and guidelines.
At Ziro: Lower Subansiri district also joined the celebration of World Consumer Rights Day here at Government Middle School, Dutta with the theme, ‘Making digital market places fairer’.
This year, the department of LM&CA is celebrating the day with gaon burahs and buris of Ziro-I circle.
Ziro LM&CA, Asst Controller, Hage H Atung highlighted the importance of the day and suggested GBs to assist the department in rural areas to check the unfair sale of goods. He also highlighted the rights of the consumers with reference to Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
LM&CA Inspector Kesang Tashi spoke about weights and measures and packaging of commodities.
Aappreciating the LM&CA Ziro for organizing such an important event with the GBs, Head Gaon Burah and president of the All Apatani Gaon Burah Welfare Association, Hage Apa urged the department to conduct similar awareness programmes from time to time with the GBs. Eighty four gaon burahs and buris of Ziro-I participated in the programme.
At Tezu: The day was organized by the department under the chairmanship of Tezu SDO Kajal Karmakar at the BRC Hall.
SDO Karmakar expressed the need for more awareness programmes in village level where people are innocent and easily fall prey to spurious goods, overpricing, counterfeiting, etc.
Deputy Controller LM&CA (East Zone), Minte Siga stated that consumer right is equal to constitutional rights.
“Very often people tend to neglect this right which is why they are cheated by unfair trade practices. In order to educate oneself about this right it is important to attend awareness programmes such as this one,” said the deputy controller.
Standard weights and measures etc were also demonstrated. The LM&CA department of Tezu informed that the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum is mandated to provide simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances. Pamphlets and leaflets were also distributed to the participants.
At Bomdila: The department organized the day at Pedung village, Bomdila under West Kameng district.
Sub-Divisional Officer Gombu Tsering urged people not to take rice and other food items in terms of bags, adding that these items are to be taken by using weighing machines and beam scales.
Assistant Controller Tasso Gurro asked people to be careful while dealing with LPG gas cylinder, dispensing pump, non-standard weights and other non-standard units.
The department also kept an exhibition stall to enlighten the innocent mass of the village. Along with guests, PRI members of the village also attended the function enthusiastically. (DIPROs)
