World Consumer Rights Day was observed today at Sutnga Elaka Dorbar Hall, Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.” The programme, organized by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Jaintia Hills Districtwas attended by Sub-Inspectors (SI)of Supply, Khliehriat Smt. E.V Pariat and Shri M.S.S. Sohkhlet, Inspector of Legal Metrology, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri L. Kharkongor, Food Safety Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri B. Kyndait, along with officials from various departments and members of the public.
Sub-Inspector (SI) of Supply, Khliehriat, Shri M.S.S Sohklet, in his address highlighted that individuals, both as buyers and sellers, need to be aware of their consumer rights. He stated that consumers are entitled to receive good quality products and should not be misled by advertisements or false claims made by companies. Emphasizing the importance of awareness, he noted that World Consumer Rights Day serves as a reminder that consumers have rights that must be protected at all times.
He further informed that the Government has enacted the Consumer Protection Actto safeguard the interests of consumers and to address grievances. He explained that if consumers are cheated or receive defective products, they can file complaints before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission through both online and offline modes. He also stressed the importance of maintaining proper purchase records such as cash memos as evidence, and urged consumers to exercise their rights responsibly to ensure fair trade practices.
Inspector of Legal Metrology,Inspector of Legal Metrology, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri L. Kharkongorapprised the gathering on the importance of standardization and accuracy in weights and measures. He informed that consumers should always check for official seals on weighing instruments in markets to ensure fairness in transactions. He also advised that electronic weighing machines must carry proper certification and encouraged consumers to verify weights when in doubt. In the case of jewellery, buyers were urged to check purity standards such as carats, while for petrol, consumers were advised to verify quantity through standard measurement checks.
Food Safety Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri B. Kyndait emphasized that consumers have the right to safe and nutritious food. He urged the public to carefully check product labels, including FSSAI certification, brand name and expiry date before purchasing any food item. He also cautioned against misleading claims, especially by door-to-door vendors, and stressed the importance of awareness regarding fortified foods such as fortified rice and milk enriched with essential vitamins. Highlighting the role of a balanced diet, he encouraged the consumption of nutritious food and moderation in junk food intake, stating that good food is the foundation of good health.
The programme, presided by Smti. E.V Pariat, Sub-Inspector (SI)of Supply, Khliehriat also included an awareness session on Aadhaar and e-KYC by Shri Hubert Nongtdu and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by LDA,DC (Supply), Shri Heimonmi Tyngkan.
