Awareness against unethical trade

An awareness programme on consumer rights was organised by department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Nagaland, at VDB Hall, Wokha on June 9. The event was organised with an aim to educate citizens on their rights as consumers and the risks of unethical trade practices in today’s rapidly changing market.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, praised the department for the initiative and emphasized the importance of consumer awareness. He highlighted common violations, such as manipulation of expiry dates, overpricing beyond MRP, and absence of proper price tags. He urged consumers to demand receipts for purchases to safeguard their rights in cases of returns or exchanges.
Speaking as an expert, Surenthung Enny, a member of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, advised consumers to inspect products before buying and report any malpractices to relevant authorities or consumer rights organizations. He stressed that consumer rights apply not only to commercial transactions but also to government schemes and electricity billing.
Enny acknowledged growing awareness of consumer rights in Wokha but noted that many residents are still hesitant to file complaints. He urged local leaders to take the lead in spread awareness and assured that complaints from other districts could also be filed locally. He also warned against illegal practices like altering MRP on motor vehicles and called for the removal of misleading “no return, no exchange” signs in shops, citing Section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act.
Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Wokha, T. Aimong, spoke on the importance of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. He described it as the backbone of ethical trade and commerce, highlighting both consumer rights and responsibilities. The event drew participants from various backgrounds, including students and community leaders, with the aim of broadening awareness across different sectors.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, allowing attendees to clarify doubts and share experiences, reinforcing the importance of informed and proactive consumer behavior.