A consumer awareness programme under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumer” was held on August 18 at Kohima College under the aegis of the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection (LMCP), Kohima, in collaboration with the college's Economics and Commerce Department.
LMCP outlines wider scope of consumer law
Speaking as the resource person, Advocate and panel lawyer of the Kohima District Legal Services Authority, Sunjib Rana, told the gathering that the Consumer Protection Act extends beyond simple transactions of buying and selling. He said the law covers broader aspects of the economy and contributes to overall development.
Rana urged students to become informed and thus confident consumers. He said confident consumers are better placed to demand safe products and to seek redress when services are deficient or when they encounter unfair trade practices. He also encouraged students to exercise the right to choose among competing products and to use consumer courts when necessary.
"Once we are informed, we are aware, we become a confident consumer. And once you become a confident consumer, you will get the best product which is safe for you," Rana said.
Practical advice: evidence, safety and misleading advertising
Rana advised against hurried purchases that may compromise safety, noting that products bought in haste might be unsafe. He highlighted the importance of collecting even small amounts of evidence, saying such evidence can prevent consumers from falling into traps and assist in pursuing complaints.
On advertising, the resource person warned students to be alert to misleading advertisements, reminding them that manufacturers and companies are not permitted to promote goods with deceptive claims.
LMCP's role and departmental remarks
In his keynote address, Shiekhozo, Assistant Controller, LMCP Kohima, set out the department's core responsibilities: enforcing standards in weights and measures, preventing commercial malpractices and safeguarding consumer rights. He said the LMCP conducts awareness and educational activities across communities, including schools and colleges, to protect consumer interests.
- Event: Consumer awareness programme, theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumer”
- Date: August 18
- Venue: Kohima College
- Organisers: Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection (Kohima) and Economics & Commerce Department, Kohima College
The programme sought to equip students with knowledge about their rights and the remedies available under consumer law, and to underline the preventive role of the LMCP in ensuring market fairness.
| Consumer Right / Protection | Description (as given at the programme) |
|---|---|
| Right to Safety | Products should be safe; avoid hurried purchases that could be unsafe. |
| Right to Choose | Consumers may choose between products and expect accurate information. |
| Right to Redress | Complaints about products, deficient services or unfair trade practices can be taken to the consumer court. |
| Protection against Misleading Ads | Manufacturers should not advertise misleading content; consumers must stay vigilant. |
The session highlighted the collaborative approach the LMCP takes with educational institutions to foster a culture of informed consumption among young people in Kohima. Department officials reiterated that awareness and documentation are key to addressing commercial malpractices.
Students and participants were encouraged to use the information provided to make safer choices and to preserve evidence if they need to pursue complaints through formal channels.
