A Consumer Awareness Programme on the theme “Consumers! Know Your Rights” was held at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School (RGHSS), Kohima on 14th May 2025. The event was organized by the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Kohima, in collaboration with the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) and the NSS Unit of RGHSS.
Advocate & Retainer Lawyer of KDLSA, Sunjib Rana, served as the resource person and delivered a comprehensive address on consumer rights and responsibilities. In his engaging talk, he emphasized that from birth to death, every individual is a consumer, making it essential to understand both rights and duties in the marketplace.
Highlighting real-life examples of misleading advertisements—including fairness creams and perfumes—Rana stressed the importance of consumer vigilance and the power of individual complaints in curbing unfair trade practices. “You may feel small standing alone in front of a shopkeeper or a large company,” he said, “but a single consumer’s complaint can bring about significant change.”
He explained the grievance redressal mechanism under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which provides for a three-tier structure. At the first level is the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC), which entertains complaints where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed ₹50 lakh. The second level is the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which hears cases involving consideration above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore. The highest level is the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which handles complaints where the value exceeds ₹2 crore or deals with appeals against the decisions of State Commissions.
Rana also addressed concerns surrounding online shopping, urging students to always retain receipts and record proof—such as unboxing videos—for use in complaint redressals. He cited a case where such documentation helped a consumer successfully file a claim for a defective phone.
In addition, he touched on the topic of medical negligence, explaining that under the Consumer Protection Act, doctors and hospitals are also accountable, and serious negligence could lead to both civil and criminal proceedings.
The importance of being an informed and responsible consumer was underscored throughout his speech, with emphasis on reading terms and conditions, checking return policies, and verifying the authenticity of product reviews—particularly in e-commerce platforms. He concluded by encouraging students to ask questions, raise grievances when necessary, and understands that consumer empowerment is both a right and a responsibility.
Delivering the keynote address, Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection (LMCP), Shiekhozo, expressed his pleasure at being present among the students, whom he referred to as “the leaders of tomorrow.”
He emphasized the significance of legal metrology in everyday life, noting that we live in a world governed by measurements and transactions—from the size of clothes we wear to the quantity of food we buy and the services we use daily, such as transportation and utilities. “Every transaction we make involves measurement—be it in kilograms, litres, or meters. That is where the Department of Legal Metrology comes in,” he explained.
Shiekhozo reminded the students that as consumers, they have rights and responsibilities. “When you buy a product or pay for a service, you have the right to know its weight, price, expiry date, and other crucial details. It is the responsibility of the seller to provide this information transparently.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the session would be beneficial for all attendees. “We are here to share with you the knowledge that can empower you as consumers. I hope each one of you takes away something valuable from today’s program.”
The programme was chaired by B. Orenvungo Yanthan, Program Officer of the NSS Unit, RGHSS Kohima. The welcome address was delivered by Sedengunuo Mary Solo, Vice Principal of RGHSS.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
