Minister for Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Shri. Ravi Naik, attended the National Consumer Rights Day function, organized by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the Electricity Department at Ponda today. The event centered on the theme, “Consumer Protection in the Era of E-Commerce and Digital Trade.”
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ravi Naik emphasized the importance of consumers reporting fraud or cheating and highlighted the negative impact of counterfeit products on the state’s reputation among tourists. He commended the joint efforts of the Central and State Governments in safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring citizen well-being. He further underscored the significance of honest tax payments for the overall development and growth of the people. Shri Naik also stressed the need for consumer awareness, particularly in distinguishing fortified rice from plastic rice, stating fortified rice is good for health.
Shri. Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Secretary, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, urged citizens to be aware of their rights and utilize the avenues for redressal if those rights are not met. He highlighted different incidents of frauds or cheating stating that the consumers need to know how to tackle E- marketing challenges.
Shri Shailesh Naik Burye, Superintendent Engineer, Electricity Department; Shri Amit Sawant, Dy Director, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs; Smt Priya Chari, ZP, Curti Khandepar; and Smt Sanjana Naik, Sarpanch, Curti Khandepar were present on the occassion.
Special sessions on “Asserting Rights and Perceiving Remedies” were conducted. Additionally, informative stalls were set up to educate participants on various aspects of consumer rights and protection.
Smt Purva Prabhu compered the function, while Shri Sunny Narvekar, assistant account officer, proposed the vote of thanks.