New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS): Releasing of e-books and flagging the National Test House (NTH) Mobile Van for Drinking Water Testing marked the National Consumer Day 2021 with the theme "Consumer - Know your Rights" organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs here on Friday.

The virtual event was attended both by Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Minister Piyush Goyal and his deputy Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

"Following the mantra of 'Consumer is King', we have transitioned from 'Consumer Protection' to 'Consumer Empowerment and Prosperity'," Goyal said, adding that the consumers should demand good quality and protection of their rights.

Stating that drinking water is being supplied to each household, he said: "This has increased our responsibility. On the lines of 'Mobile Van' flagged today for Drinking Water Testing, BIS and NTH can take charge of the testing and provide such a facility in each district. Later, drinking water testing facilities may be provided in at least 10,000 places."

Three e-Books - "Landmark Judgments on Consumer Law and Practice", "Handbook on Mediation under Consumer Protection Act 2019", and "Handbook on E-filing before Consumer Redressal Commission" were virtually inaugurated, a Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ministry release said.

Choubey, in his keynote address, stressed on the significance of consumer rights and that the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 has widened the platform for consumers to assert and enforce their rights in case of violation.

He also highlighted the strides made by the Legal Metrology Department by taking strong enforcement measures and appreciated the enterprising effort taken by the department over the past year wherein 255 cases were registered under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and 80 companies compounded their offences by paying a total of Rs 43,55,500.

Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Leena Nandan, Additional Secretary Nidhi Khare, Joint Secretaries Anupam Mishra and Vineet Mathur attended the event along with other senior officers, presidents and members of Consumer Commissions, stakeholders from states/UTs, industry associations, and consumer organisations.