'Companies cash-in on ignorance of consumers'

Warangal: The lack of awareness among the customers regarding their rights has been proving a boon to the companies that were duping the customers, said State Consumers Council vice president Pallepadu Damodar. Due to the lack of knowledge about consumer protection laws, the number of cases booked against the erring companies is almost becoming negligible. Only a few cases booked occasionally by the consumers affected by the faulty products, he stated. Speaking to The Hans India on the occasion of 'World Consumers Day' on Friday, he said it was the prime duty of every consumer to be fully aware of the provisions of Consumers Protection Act (CPA) 1986 so as to safeguard their interests, he averred. The awareness meetings were aimed at promoting; protect the rights of the consumers against the marketing of goods and services which were hazardous to life and property.A Dispensation of information about the quality, quantity, quality, standard and price of goods or services and unfair trade practices were also key functions of the councils, he added. "Many do not have the idea that they can even lodge complaints against government agencies like railways, fair price shops and banks if they failed to deliver services in accordance to their promises and as per stipulated guidelines" he said. That was why awareness programmes to educate the consumers were being conducted at regular intervals by the consumers council, he informed. The consumers can get redressal by legal means by paying nominal fee through consumers forums in case they are duped by any manufactures and service provider. Yet they approach political leaders to get the things rectified, Damodar said. Joint collector PS Pradyumna too stressed on the need of awareness among consumers about their rights.