The Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Kashmir today celebrated National Consumer Rights Day on 24th December, 2022 with the theme “Effective Disposal of Cases in Consumer Commissions” at Tagore Hall, here.
This day is celebrated across the country to commemorate the day when the Consumer Protection Act came into being in the year 1986. Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K.Pole was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The programme was attended by Officers/ officials from District Legal Service Authority Srinagar, District Redressal Consumer Commission, Department of Food Safety and Standards Kashmir, representatives of various trade organizations including manufacturers and sellers.
Addressing the gathering, Div Com appreciated the efforts of the department to initiate a wide range of transparency measures. He specially highlighted the role of the department in distribution of food grains in a most transparent manner through biometric and Aadhar enabled Point of Sale Devices.
He also highlighted that the department has successfully reached out to every nook and corner of the province to deliver the services to the most eligible persons in a hassle free manner. It was also emphasized by the chief guest that the department has come up to the expectations of the public through advanced technological means.
On this occasion, Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Dr. Abdul Salam Mir gave a detailed overview of working of the department during the current year wherein several consumer friendly initiatives have been taken by the department to ensure that all the six fundamental rights of consumers are implemented.
It was informed that the Directorate of FCS&CA Kashmir has disposed-off 1299 number of complaints out of 1304 received during the current year through a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
Total 765 complaints have been received in the Directorate through its Toll free No.18001807011 and all have been effectively disposed-off. Besides, it was also given out that the department inspected 10041 establishments and penalized 18097 defaulters and an amount of Rs.8428230 was recovered besides, 230 establishments have been sealed.
Fozia Paul, Secretary District Legal Service Authority Srinagar deliberated upon the legal safeguard and redressal mechanism in the judicial setup and encouraged the consumers to come forward with their grievances so that the same may be addressed on merits.
Dr. Jahan-Ara, Sr. Faculty of IMPARD Srinagar also highlighted the rights and duties of consumers. Several other speakers also deliberated upon the rights and constitutional safeguards on the occasion.
The programme was attended by representatives of various Trade bodies, representatives of media fraternity and consumers from different walks of life. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Deputy Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Najwan Nazki.