Jammu, Mar 19: Legal Metrology Department organised road shows, consumer awareness camps, workshops, lectures, seminars in connection with celebration of “Consumer Empowerment Week” starting from March 14, 2022.
As per the direction of Controller LMD J&K, Majid K. A. Drabu, the events were held both in rural and urban areas to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day and to commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
In a first of its kind initiative, field units of the department, organised consumer awareness and rural outreach programmes in every district.
The consumer awareness programmes were held in all districts of the union territory with large participation of people.
The outreach programmes spread awareness about the provisions of Legal Metrology Act, 2009, Consumer Protection Act, 2019, details to be seen on pre-packaged commodities, use of proper weights and measures and informed the consumers on how to lodge a consumer complaint on the National Consumer helpline number 14404 or 1800-11-4000 or Toll free number of the department i.e. 18001807105 or 18001807114. During the said week, road shows were also held in urban areas and some of the colleges.
During the road shows, officers practically demonstrated the consumers about their rights as consumers. On March 15, 2022, World Consumer Rights Day was also celebrated in every district where field officers organised programs and educated consumers about Fair Digital finances which is the theme of this year’s world consumer rights day.
The officers, while highlighting the importance of consumer rights, stressed upon the consumers to apply their informed choices to buy goods from the market and assert their right as vigilant consumers.
The officers practically demonstrated the aspects pertaining to Legal Metrology in protecting rights as consumers. The demonstrations included awareness about declarations on packaged commodities, safety measures, warranty, potency, purity which are required to be looked upon by consumers on all the goods including electronic products, packaged commodities Fast Moving Consumer Goods, LPG cylinders etc. before purchase. Besides this, demonstrations were given about net content checking in LPG cylinders, measurement of delivery from the petrol pumps. The consumers were made aware to ensure “zero” reading before the start of dispensing of fuel. The officers highlighted the importance of the department in protection of Consumer Rights and informed that they can approach the department in case of complaints. The consumers were also advised to secure purchase bills as the same can be used for redressal of grievances by the department.
