Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 25: Speaking at the National Consumers Rights Day function held here on Wednesday December 24 that was marked by the absence of most of the enlisted dignitaries, chairman of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum P C Gopal stressed the importance of the consumers being aware of their rights.

The function was organized by the district administration, zilla panchayat, department of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, legal metrology department, department of information, Consumers' Forum and the District Consumer Information Centre.

He said that the consumers can bring to the notice of the Forum any defect they find in the goods bought and that the Forum is empowered to deal with disputes about goods and services with a value of up to Rs 20 lac. The Forum addresses disputes normally within 90 days except where laboratory tests are necessitated. Consumers can approach the Forum by filing an application and paying a nominal fee. They can represent themselves or through a lawyer, he informed.

Gopal also exhorted the consumers to study the terms and conditions carefully before buying goods and services. It would be in their own interests to be wary of lucrative advertisements, he felt.

District Information Officer M Jhunjanna welcomed. Udupi Consumers Forum trustee Shantaraj Aithal delivered introductory speech. Trustee A P Kodancha spoke on the subject of 'the need for the consumers to be alert and safe'. Another trustee Lakshmi Bai presented the programme.