BANDIPORA, DECEMBER 24: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora on Wednesday observed National Consumer Day with an awareness programme at the Conference Hall Bandipora, with a focus on consumer rights, accountability and legal empowerment.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Bandipora, witnessed participation of officers and officials from the FCS&CA, Tehsil Supply Officers, Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, salesmen, Multi-Tasking Staff, and representatives from various administrative units.
The observance was overseen by Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, and Jeema Bashir, Chairperson, DLSA Bandipora (District & Sessions Judge), under the supervision of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Bandipora.
The objective of the programme was to sensitise stakeholders about consumer rights and duties under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and to promote transparency and fairness in public service delivery.
On the occasion, advocate Nawaz Ul Haq highlighted the concept and importance of consumer rights, elaborating on the six fundamental consumer rights, including the right to safety, information, choice, to be heard, redressal, and consumer education. He also informed participants about the functioning of Consumer Commissions at district, state and national levels, besides online complaint mechanisms for easy access to justice.
Advocate Javid Iqbal emphasised the legal responsibilities of traders, sellers and service providers, particularly in essential services, and cautioned that practices such as overcharging, under-weighing, adulteration and hoarding are punishable offences under law. He reiterated the role of Legal Services Authorities in providing free legal aid, especially to the poor and marginalised sections.
During the program, an interactive session was also held, wherein participants raised queries related to consumer grievances and complaint procedures, which were addressed by the resource persons.
