Nuapada: A one-day consumer awareness camp has been successfully organized at Nuapada with the joint support of Local Voluntary Institution Perdyan, Nuapada and District Administration (Supply Department), Nuapada. The main objective of the camp was to create awareness among the general public and especially the students about consumer rights, responsibilities and safety. Hundreds of students from various educational institutions of Nuapada city participated enthusiastically in this program. At the beginning of the camp, debating, essay writing and drawing competitions were organized for the students. Organized on “Safe Products, Safe Consumers”, these competitions gave the students a deep understanding of consumer awareness. The students enlivened the gathering by expressing their ideas, knowledge and creativity. Prabodh Hota, Pal Bhavatosh Das, Kamal Panda, Yashwant Rana and Pratap Sahu joined the judging panel for the competition program. They objectively evaluated the performance of the students and selected the best participants. The competition was followed by the formal launch of the consumer awareness camp. Mr. Trinath Bhoi, District Supply Officer, Nuapada was present as the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mr. Prithuraj Hansda, Deputy Controller (Department of Metrology), Mr. Hrishikesh Nayak, District Supply Officer and Mr. Parmanand Hans of Consumer Court were present as the guests of honour. Senior lawyer Mr. Narayan Prasad Joshi participated as the keynote speaker. The program was conducted under the chairmanship of Mr. Rudra Charan Patnaik, chairman of the screen. He honored all the guests with garlands and mementos and periodically invited them for his valedictory speeches. The keynote speaker Mr. Narayan Prasad Joshi briefed the students in detail about the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. He said that every user has the right to security, access to information, right to make choices, complain and seek justice. As online shopping has increased in today’s digital age, so has the potential for fraud, so be careful. He encouraged the students to collect the bill, save the proof and complain against the wrong product or service. Mr. Prithuraj Hasada discussed the Weight and Measurement Science Act, 2009 in his speech. He clearly explained that absolute weight and measure is a fundamental right of the user and violation of it will lead to legal action. He cautioned the students to check the seal and date printed on the measuring machine. Other guests also shared their views on user rights, responsibilities and awareness. They said that the conscious consumer is the key to a healthy market system. Fraud and unfair business practices can be prevented if everyone knows about their rights. Later, certificates and gifts were given to the students who participated in the competition. It boosted the morale of the students and motivated them to do better in the days to come. The whole program was successfully coordinated by the members of the screen including Pratap Sahu, Vedaram Sahu, Man Bai Uzir, Raju Patel, Yogesh Sahu and Shankar Biswal. As a result of their efforts and hard work, the program was successfully completed. Finally, District Supply Officer Mr. Trinath Bhoi concluded the program by thanking all the invited guests, teachers and students. It was hoped that through the organization of such awareness camps, knowledge about consumer rights would be spread in the society and people would be aware and protect their rights.
Biswanath Samal’s report from Nuapada, Fast News Odisha