YSRC Government Creating Awareness About Consumer Rights Through Consumer Clubs

Vijayawada: Consumer Affairs Minister Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao has said that the state government is working to protect the rights of consumers. “Consumer clubs have been established in 6,000 schools, 500 intermediate colleges and 175 degree colleges,” he said.

He was speaking on the occasion of National Consumer Day 2023 that was held here with a stress on the theme ‘Consumer protection in the era of e-commerce and digital commerce’ at Tummalapally Kalakshetra on Sunday.

Nageswara Rao said his government was keeping a vigil against malpractices in petrol bunks, way-bridges, fertilizer shops, sweetmeat shops, gold shops and gas godowns. “The government headed by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy punished errant traders with penalties, which totaled Rs 4.52 crore so far. The entire amount was ploughed back to the affected consumers,” he said.

“This government is working to protect the rights of consumers. To provide justice to consumers without delay, the state government has amended the Consumer Protect Act - 2019. The government strengthened the department of consumer affairs, food, and civil supplies. He praised the services of the ‘Consumer Voluntary Organisation’ that has been working as a bridge between traders and consumers.”

The minister said consumers should verify the quality of every product they purchase. “Do not believe in fraudulent advertisements. Take a bill for each product and service,” he said.

He said, “If a consumer is cheated by the traders, they have the opportunity to complain at the local/district commission. The state government is ensuring ease of participation in the investigations via the video conference.”

Consumer affairs commissioner Arun Kumar said, “Several frauds are happening in the state due to a lack of awareness of the consumer laws. The state government has taken the initiative to spread awareness among the people through the Gram/Ward Sachivalayam,” he stated.

Consumer affairs director Vijaya Sunitha said the department was creating awareness through social media, YouTube, and posters. “If there are any faults or defects in the goods or products that you purchase, please complain to the toll-free number 1967,” she stated.

State planning commission vice chairman and Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu, NTR district consumer forum president N Chiranjeevi, Kapu Corporation chairman Adapa Seshagiri Rao, NTR district joint collector Sampath Kumar and others were present.