A launching ceremony of the Consumer Rights Organisation (CRO) was held on January 7 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.
Special guest, advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, Pukhayi Assumi, in his speech, emphasized on the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which was implemented to look into the matters of consumer rights. In order to open opportunities in various National development programs, he mentioned that district forums of the organization have been formed in all districts.
He also stated that the common man was becoming the main target of exploitation for the markets due to lack of awareness, education, poverty and ignorance. Therefore, he stated that consumer education was very important since it would be the only tool to protect consumers. He mentioned that the World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 and the National Consumer Day on December 24 to educate citizens about their consumer rights.
The program was hosted by vice president, CRO, Shaliho Tep, and the invocation was offered by pastor, Senjum Baptist Church, Thunglanbemo Ezung.
A welcome address and briefing on the CRO was given by its state president, James Jungio and a vote of thanks was delivered by Kohima unit president, CRO, Hoshika Swu.
The CRO Nagaland is a nationally registered non-profit organization which targets social reform, to protect the rights of consumers and to spread awareness on related issues in Nagaland.
It will assist consumers hold awareness programs throughout the state.
The toll free number of the Consumer Rights Organisation is 1800-343701.
The handling of complaints will be done in this way: A complaint by a consumer has to be submitted in writing to the head office, CRO Nagaland. The complaint will be verified for authenticity and a notice will be sent to the person or firm complained against asking a reply within a definite time frame. Action to be taken will then be decided by the committee (File a case or lodge an FIR).
Aims and objectives of the CRO
i) Ensuring safety of school children in school buses; ii) Protection of women and children against exploitation; iii) Educating people about the latest consumer rights; iv) To suggest ways and means to the government for establishing healthy atmospheres in prisons; v) To work for the development of minorities and to protect life and property of senior citizens; vi) To take up issues of consumers related to fair price shops, price rise; vii) Check improper means of ripening fruits, malpractices adopted by food vendors; viii) Address corruption issues in the government/semi-government and private sectors; ix) To address all issues related to violation of consumer rights; x) To assist government in flood relief work and to preview its activities regularly; xi) and to address adverse effects of global warming and to encourage afforestation.