Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 28: IIPA, J& K Regional Branch, in collaboration with Centre for Consumer Studies, IIPA New Delhi, organized two-day workshop on “Consumer Protection & Consumer Welfare”.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr M K Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. The workshop was attended by over 140 delegates from various departments, including CAPD, Drugs & Food Control Organization, Legal Metrology, Health, Medical Care, PDD, RTIC, JMC, J&K Bank Ltd, private nursing homes, Co-operate sector, Institution of Engineers, Institute of Dental Science and ASCOMS.
Dr M K Bhandari, in his address, emphasized that appropriate legal and policy measures need to be established for civilization to flourish. The trade has an important role to play in an economy and it should focus on the interest of the consumers and work towards the welfare of the society at large, he added.
Prof Suresh Misra, Chair-Professor & Coordinator, CCS, IIPA, New Delhi, made a presentation on “Consumer Protection and Consumer Welfare- an Overview”. He said that with consumers becoming more active, better safety and protection measures are required which shall be covered under the new legislation. proposed the establishment of consumer helpline wherein the consumer can get the advice and guidance for his grievance.
Earlier, Chander Gulati, Member, State Consumer Council, said that consumer protection and consumer awareness goes hand in hand and it is essential to put appropriate mechanisms in place in the interest of consumers.
Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, while speaking at the valedictory function, informed that the State Government was taking proactive measures to strengthen the quasi-judicial machinery under the Act. There are also steps being taken to create separate directorate of Legal Metrology to ensure protection of consumer rights. Further, he said, there is constant inspection of the petrol and diesel pumps being undertaken to avoid adulteration and unfair trade practices and stringent penalties are being imposed wherever some wrong is found.
Earlier Dr Ashok Bhan, Patron, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, in his address, emphasized on focusing on capacity building programmes and said that IIPA can play a critical role in this direction. He said that lok adalats must be organized for consumer disputes and there is need for consumer awareness to empower consumers.
Dr C M Seth, Vice-Chairman, IIPA JK Regional Branch, emphasized on the strengthening the role of enforcement agencies for better resolution of consumer grievances.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
