WCRD observed in SWGH

SHILLONG, MAR 15: World Consumer Rights Day was celebrated on March 15 at Gongglanggre Multi Facility Centre near Garobadha. The programme attended by villagers from adjoining villages, traders and school children was organised by the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), South West Garo Hills and aimed at spreading awareness on consumer rights and safeguard them against hazardous goods and malpractices.

Addressing the gathering, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ramkumar S said that just as traders and shopkeepers would not exist without consumers the government too depended on consumers who availed services from its various departments to function properly. Speaking on the need for consumers to be vigilant while purchasing commodities the Deputy Commissioner advised the gathering to check for expiry dates, quality control trademarks like ISI, Agmark etc and always demand for quality.

Stating that every consumer must know their right in order to safeguard themselves from malpractices by traders the Deputy Commissioner urged the gathering to practise the habit of demanding cash memos or bills while purchasing goods to empower them to seek redressal whenever consumer rights have been infringed. He later lauded the supply officials and urged them to organise more similar programmes in the near future to raise consumer awareness.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion Supply Inspector in-charge Ampati, Salchra N Sangma said that the world Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year to build a world where everyone has access to safe and sustainable products and services. He stated that as a consumer everyone had the right to be protected from all kind of hazardous goods and services, the right to be fully informed about the performance and quality of all goods and services, the right to free choice of goods and services, the right to be heard in all decision-making processes related to consumer interests and the right to seek redressal, whenever consumer rights have been infringed, the right to complete consumer education amongst others.

During the programme an interactive session between the supply officials and the gathering was held wherein various queries ranging from maximum retail prices to matters pertaining to PDS were asked by the participants.

Amongst others who attended the gathering was Sub Inspector of Supply, Ampati, Jordan N Sangma.

By Our Reporter