National Consumer Day: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi presides over the celebrations of National Consumer Day 2024, today in Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi with the launch of several pro-Consumer initiatives.
Key Highlights:
- Launches:
- ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’, ‘Jagriti App’, and ‘Jagriti Dashboard’ for identifying and combating dark patterns on e-commerce platforms.
- AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline (NCH 2.0) with multilingual support and chatbots for faster grievance redressal.
- e-Mapp Portal for enhanced Legal Metrology services.
- SMART Standards and Organic Food Testing Laboratory (Guwahati) & Low Voltage Switch Gear Testing Facility (Mumbai).
- Software Testing Facility for weighing and measuring instruments at RRSL, Ahmedabad.
- Achievements:
- Refund of ₹1,454 crore to consumers by travel companies for COVID-19 flight cancellations.
- Actions against misleading advertisements by coaching institutes and banning unsafe car seatbelt alarm stoppers from major e-commerce platforms.
- Issuance of 180 Quality Control Orders (QCOs), hallmarking 43 crore gold jewelry pieces with HUID.
- Enhanced sample testing by National Test House, achieving a 57.37% increase in 2024.
- MoUs and Reports:
- MoU signed with Gujarat National Law University for expertise in consumer protection.
- Launch of a report on the Impact Assessment of Consumer Commissions by IIM Rohtak.
- Consumer Awareness Initiatives:
- Over 10,300 standards clubs established in schools/colleges to promote consumer education.
- E-Daakhil portal enabled digital filing of complaints with a significant case disposal rate.
- Safety Pledge:
- Signed by executives of 13 major e-commerce platforms, including Reliance Retail, Tata Sons, Zomato, Ola, and Swiggy, committing to consumer safety.
- Recognition and Innovations:
- Felicitation of winners of the Tomato Grand Challenge for innovative solutions in agriculture and food preservation.
- BIS praised for its role in quality control and consumer safety, including electric vehicle safety and medical devices.
Shri Joshi emphasized virtual hearings as a testament to PM Modi’s vision of accessible justice. He encouraged continued efforts in consumer protection, especially on e-commerce platforms, citing India’s position as the second-largest e-commerce market.
The event included technical sessions on critical topics like health washing, virtual hearings, and improving consumer commission efficiency. Stakeholders from various sectors participated, showcasing a collaborative commitment to consumer welfare.
