Source: The Sangai Express
Silchar, March 15, 2010:
As in other parts of the country, World Consumers' Rights Day was observed here in the State with the Consumers' Club organising a programme at Brighter Academy, Khumbong to commemorate the occasion.
Speaking as the chief guest, president of Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum Dr Chongtham Narendra said in 1962 the then USA President John F Kenedy soon after assuming power announced four consumer Rights.
Listing them as Right to Safety, Right to Information, Right to be Heard and Right to Choose, Dr Narendra said ever since the declaration of the US President the World Consumers' Rights Day is being observed on the global level.
Cautioning that use of colours in snack items such as samosa and halwa, as well as in the preparation of turmeric powder, chilly powder, beverages and other edible things contain harmful ingredients, he urged the consumers to stay away from such items.
Speaking at the occasion, Brighter Academy Principal Dr Betty Salam said education on Consumers' Rights should be imparted in educational institutions through inclusion in syllabus.
Due to frequent bandhs and blockades, traders/shop-owners randomly hike prices of goods taking advantage of the situation, she maintained while stressing that programmes on creating awareness should also cover the rural areas.
Consumers' Club president W Manglem, in his address, conceded that there is strong need for improving institutional apparatus for redressing grievances of the consumers.
In the absence of a State commission to settle disputes, a complainant's report is intimated to a legal court rather even though the matter could be settled expeditiously in case of establishment of State Commission, he suggested.