The Union government, through its consumer affairs ministry, is embarking on a commendable initiative to launch a podcast that will serve as an invaluable resource for consumers seeking to safeguard themselves against fraudulent practices. This podcast will adopt a captivating storytelling format, relatably showcasing the experiences of fraud受害者 and the effective resolution of their grievances. To ensure widespread accessibility, the podcast will be released every Sunday on a plethora of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
The primary objective of this podcast is to empower digitally literate consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their rights and combat fraud. By providing practical advice and real-world examples, the podcast aims to foster a sense of awareness and vigilance among consumers.
In a parallel move, the CCPA, under the consumer affairs ministry, has also introduced an e-court facility for State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi. This e-court will revolutionize the complaint-filing process, enabling consumers to conveniently file their complaints online, thereby expediting the resolution of their grievances.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening consumer protection in India. The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 has replaced the outdated Consumer Protection Act of 1986, ushering in a modernized framework that aligns with the evolving landscape of globalization, technology, and e-commerce.
To further bolster consumer safeguards, the CCPA is actively pursuing the formulation of separate guidelines on surrogate advertisements, robo calls, misleading ads by coaching institutes for civil services examinations, greenwashing, and dark patterns. These guidelines aim to provide targeted protection against specific fraudulent practices.
The establishment of an online dispute redressal mechanism at the national and state levels is another significant step towards streamlining consumer grievance redressal. Most SCDRCs and 10 benches of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) are now fully operational online.
Ashim Sanyal, CEO of Consumer VOICE, has lauded these initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of consumer education in the protection of consumer rights. He commends the consumer affairs ministry for proactively working in the best interests of consumers through the launch of the podcast.
The government’s unwavering dedication to consumer protection is evident in these initiatives, which empower consumers with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to safeguard their rights and interests.
