Ganderbal, December 24, 2024: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (CA&PD) Department Ganderbal, celebrated National Consumer Day on December 24, 2024, at the Town Hall in Ganderbal.
The event was held under the supervision of Mr. Abdul Nasir, Chairman of DLSA Ganderbal, and with the guidance of Mr. Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary of DLSA Ganderbal. The aim was to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities, with a focus on consumer fraud and the objectives of the Consumer Protection Act.
During the event, Mr. Bilal Ahmad Najar, Assistant Director of CA&PD Ganderbal, highlighted the significance of National Consumer Day. He emphasized the need for consumers to be aware of their responsibilities, particularly in cases of misbranding, copying, or cheating. He stressed that well-informed consumers can effectively exercise their rights and seek compensation when necessary. He urged the public to spread awareness about consumer rights among neighbors, relatives, and friends, reminding them that their rights are meaningless unless exercised and emphasizing the importance of seeking redress when needed.
Mr. Tanveer Ashraf, Assistant LADC Ganderbal, discussed the key aspects of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. He emphasized that consumers have the right to safety and can seek recourse in cases of online purchase fraud by filing a complaint with the consumer protection forum. He also stressed the importance of reporting misleading advertisements, a crucial provision under the Act. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, aims to protect consumers from unfair trade practices, including false or misleading advertisements. He stated that consumers have the right to be protected against hazardous goods and services, to receive information about goods and services—including quantity, quality, purity, potency, price, and standards—and to seek redressal for grievances, including those related to online purchase fraud and misleading advertisements.
Advocate Romaina Syed, a panel lawyer for DLSA Ganderbal, emphasized the importance of the Consumer Protection Act, which safeguards the rights of every individual. She highlighted various rules and provisions, including E-commerce Rules, Product Liability Rules, Service Provider Rules, Misleading Advertisement Rules, Non-leading Dispute Resolution, and Consumer Grievance Rules. She informed attendees that consumers can now file disputes through an e-portal, making it easier and more convenient to seek redressal. This digital platform aims to streamline the dispute resolution process, reducing time and effort for consumers. She also encouraged consumers to be aware of their rights and to seek redressal when necessary.
Mr. Mohd Altaf conducted the proceedings of the program, ensuring the smooth execution of the event.
The event was attended by officials from DLSA Ganderbal, the CA&PD Department, PLVs of DLSA/TLSC Ganderbal, and members of the general public, including consumers.
This event marked a significant step toward empowering consumers in Ganderbal and promoting awareness about their rights and responsibilities. DLSA Ganderbal remains committed to protecting consumer interests and fostering a fair and just marketplace.