CIRC launches Facebook, Twitter handles

​Hyderabad: The Telangana Consumer Information and Redressal Centre (CIRC) has launched its Facebook page and Twitter handle with the objective of addressing the grievances through dialogue, discussion, and non-legal measures, at Civil Supplies Bhavan on Thursday. The authorities christened the digital platform as ‘Alternate Consumer Dispute Redressal System’, using which the consumer can bring irregularities to the notice of authorities from anywhere in Telangana.

Speaking on the occasion, Akun Sabarwal, Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Controller of Legal Metrology said, “The Consumer Dispute and Redressal Centre was there since last two years. In addition to that, we have set up a digital platform for the convenience of consumers. Now, they can approach us if they get faulty products on the purchase or given a different product to what the vendor actually promised.”

He added that the department has increased staff to six persons including a dedicated person to take care of digital platforms. “We have also linked up Consumer Redressal Centre with legal metrology to function more effectively on recipient of complaints,” he said.

He also added, “Some newspapers wrongly reported on the paddy purchase. Until Thursday morning 92 per cent of payments have been done and the remaining Rs 279 crore were released to the accounts of district collectors. So far, the government purchased 32.26 LMT from 6.11 lakh farmers, and the purchase value is Rs 5601.97 crore.” He clarified that cent per cent payment has been made from the Civil Supplies department.

Settles a case
Ch Lakshmi, a complainant, gave birth to a baby with health complications and blamed the scanning centre for not identifying at the early stage. The authorities took her grievance and settled amicably.
“I went for a scanning when I was pregnant.

Then, the radiologist said everything was fine and the fetus was doing well. However, my baby was born with several health complications such as a problem in the spinal cord, for which a surgery has been held. Later, I approached the Consumer Forum officials, who in turn made the scanning centre pay all the expenses for surgery,” said Lakshmi, lauding the officials.

Meanwhile, Deputy Tahsildar Nagalakshmi, who handled the case said, “We have identified it was due to doctors’ mistake and asked them to help the victims. Conceding to our request, the doctor paid for the medical expenses. It was an amicable solution, and our intention was only to provide justice to the consumers, who paid their hard-earned money.”