Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The Consumer Right Organization – Arunachal Pradesh (CRO-AP) organized its first ever awareness programme on consumer rights, fortified foods and The Eat-Right Movement (TERM) at the DK State Convention Centre here on Thursday.
Speaking on consumerism, Land Management Minister Nabam Rebia said there should be mass awareness on consumer rights to make people aware, “so that they can fight for their own rights.”
Terming adulteration of food the main cause of various health problems faced by consumers, he asked the health department to find a solution to address the issues with help from the CRO-AP.
Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan elaborated on the eight basic rights of consumers, which include shelter, cloth, water, the right to safety from hazardous food, etc.
He said consumers should complain to the consumer redressal forum about service providers who do not satisfy the needs and safety of the consumers, but advised consumers to also choose the best products to benefit one and one’s family’s health.
Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists President Amar Sangno spoke on the role of the media in disseminating awareness to consumers.
He also highlighted various approaches on how various forms of media can help generate awareness among the people on TERM and fortified foods.
CRO-India national working president Naveen P Sharma stressed on the need of consumer awareness on food.
“Fortified foods are very much needed to decrease the occurrence of nutrient deficiency. The young generation today is much inclined to junk and street foods, which is mostly very harmful for health. The need of food fortification is much needed as people are not concerned about their health,” he said.
He also advised youths to refrain from consuming products with high content of fat, sugar and salt, as they cause major health diseases.
CRO-AP president Achu Bagang said the organisation is trying to bridge the gap between the consumers and the consumer department concerned.
“Many times, people cannot reach the departments for various reasons. The CRO-AP can be a mediator to solve a few cases,” he said.
He also clarified that the CRO-AP has no authority to punish any defaulter, but is a channel to apprise the authority of the unheard grievances of consumers.
The day witnessed open discussions and a question-and-answer round where the participants cleared doubts regarding consumer rights and the medium to file complaints.
