Awareness needed on Consumer Protection Act, says ZP CEO

Speaking after inaugurating World Consumer Day organised jointly by district administration, Dakshina Kannada district Federation of Consumer Organisation, District Consumer Information Centre, department of Food and Civil Supplies and University College here on Monday, he said there is a need to create an awareness on consumer rights for the effective implementation of Consumer Protection Act. Consumers need to be cautious of defects in commodities purchased.

In his introductory remarks, Dakshina Kannada district Federation of Consumer Organisation President M J Salian said as per the Consumer Protection Act 1984, every district should have Consumer Information Centre. Unfortunately, in Karnataka, there are only five Consumer Information Centres including that of Dakshina Kannada. The Federation has started Consumer Club in 50 schools and colleges in the district.

With a view of give a fillip to the Consumer Rights movement in India and educate children about the rights of the consumers as provided in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, to mobilise youngsters by instilling them the spirit of protection of consumer rights, the Centre started the idea of setting up Consumer Clubs in schools and Colleges.

As per the Act, the Centre must pay Rs 10,000 to every Consumer Club. Unfortunately, even after five years, none of the Consumer Clubs have received financial assistance from the government. Recently, the State government has released Rs 2 lakh towards consumer club, which will be distributed among 20 consumer clubs in the district.

University College Principal Dr Lakshminarayana Bhat H R, Vijaya Karnataka Resident Editor U K Kumarnath, University College Consumer Club co-ordinator Bhuvaneshwari Hegde and Food and Civil Supplies Deputy Director Vrishabha Rajendra Murthy were   present.