The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : `Public should be aware of consumer rights'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 31, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

`Public should be aware of consumer rights'

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUCHI, JAN. 30. The need for an awareness among the public on consumer rights so as to be warned against exploitation was stressed by speakers at a programme held at N. Poolampatti near Manapparai in Tiruchi district today.

The Secretary of the Consumer Protection Council, Tamil Nadu, S. Pushpavanam, said a lack of awareness among the public on consumer rights resulted in things being `thrust' on them, without them getting back the actual value for money — one of their basic rights.

Consumers were always at the receiving end of shopkeepers, who often indulged in several malpractices. Empowering the consumers was the only way to solve the crisis.

He also warned customers against adulteration, advertisements and multilevel marketing strategies employed by some companies. Recommending the use of ISI-testified articles, he explained various ways of approaching consumer redress forums and courts.

He said the camp was the last among a series of eight organised at various villages.

A seminar to educate the public on the need for consumer protection was in the pipeline, he said.

The vice-president of the council, R. Natarajan, emphasised the importance of forming consumer groups, which he said would be more effective in redressing consumer right problems and insisted on their formationin all villages.

He urged the public to rid themselves of fatalistic attitudes and be insistent on their rights as a consumer.

The president of the Periyampatti panchayat, A. Pitchaimuthu, also spoke.

Over 65 persons participated in the programme.

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`Public should be aware of consumer rights'