JOIN USBesant Women’s College (BWC) has introduced a one-year certificate course in consumer education.
The course is the result of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked the Dakshina Kannada District Federation of Consumer Organisations.
Federation President M J Salian said collective strength of the students needed to draw the attention of the authorities concerned will lead to the effective redressal of their grievances. The course will prove advantageous in this regard and hence, students should develop a mindset to make their voice heard, he stated.
Salian explained how the consumer information centre has helped the students of other member colleges in times of distress.
He said the awareness on Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) 1986 is low among the people. “It would be better to approach consumer forum which is simple and accessible and the disputes would be redressed in a speedy manner. It is also economical as consumers do not have to pay for the lawyer. Even in the case of claiming Rs 1 lakh, the registration fee is Rs 100,” Salian said.
Those belonging to below poverty line (BPL) families are even exempted from paying registration fee. In the case of others, fee depends on the amount claimed, Salian added.
Irregularities
He said consumers find a number of adulteration, improper weighing of goods, illegal and misleading advertisements, rampant corruption, poor quality and inferior service cases. If educated, the students could stay united and collectively raise their voice for justice, he felt.
Interacting with the students, he also told them how to articulate their concerns and protect their rights by voicing their opinion and filing their complaints.
According to Principal Dr Satish Kumar Shetty K, the course would serve as a value addition for the degree programme, as it involves practical training sessions, examination procedures and the projects. It also ensures productive student engagement on the campus.
Secretary of Women’s National Education Society Shyam Sundar Kamath spoke about the significance of consumer education with the real life examples.
Member of the forum Walter Mascarenhas, B N Jayaprakash, treasurer and Devanand Pai, correspondent of Besant Women’s College (BWC), were the guests of honour at the MoU signing ceremony.
BWC co-ordinator of the Consumer Forum Dr Sudha K, staff member Latha Hebbar and its student secretary Harshitha were also present.