Conscious consumers are an asset for the country. Hence, consumer movement should be widened and the Consumer Protection Act should be implemented in true spirit, opined Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda here on Sunday.
Attending as chief guest at the State-level World Consumer Rights Day celebration, Panda said consumers should be aware of their various rights, including right to know, right to choose and right to lodge complaint envisaged in the Consumer Protection Act 1986.
Presiding over the meeting, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Kumar Dasburma said all consumers have the right to get appropriate service and products for the money they pay. The State Government has made wider arrangements for proper implementation of the act and consumers should take advantage of it, Dasburma said.
Attending as chief speaker, FS&CS Secretary Madhusudan Padhi called upon consumers not to pay more than the printed cost, to seek bills against purchases and to lodge complaints if cheated.
Among others, State Consumer Affairs Director Ratnakar Rout and Additional Secretary Raghanath Mohanty highlighted about importance of the day. Winners of essay competition were given prizes on the occasion. Sucheta Priyadarshini anchored the whole programme.