Apathy mars consumer forum work

Kozhikode: Though  a Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum exists exclusively for KSEB consumers, many in Malabar are not aware of it due to lack of publicity.

The number of complaints the forum receives is over 140 per year whereas there are lakhs of  consumers in the six northern districts under its jurisdiction.

The other two regions of the CGRF are in Ernakulam and Kottarakkara. However,  except Ernakulam, no other centre  updates  the complaint status and tracks  records regularly.

Though the other two regions receive  more complaints compared to Kozhikode,  they are also not up to the mark considering  that the KSEB has over one crore consumers in the state.

The Kozhikode region consists of Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Palakkad. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kozhikode Unit CGRF chairperson G.R. Vijayakumar said that the complaints were being disposed of without much delay.

“The commission also conducts regular sittings in districts under its jurisdiction,” he said.  “Lack of awareness is the main reason for not getting many complaints. The board should have more publicity programmes about  the forum  to address their grievances,” opined Mr K.K. Kunhikrishnan, e member of the Kozhikode CGRF.

The CGRFs are three- member statutory bodies and function  as the consumer dispute resolution authorities. The CGRF has  one non-official member appointed by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

All the procedures for complaining are free and no stamp paper and revenue stamp are required. Advocates are not compulsory and the KSE Board cannot move appeal / representation against the orders of CGRF to the ombudsman. The orders of the State Electricity Ombudsman shall be final and the KSEB has to comply with the orders.