The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Consumer helpline to be launched on July 7

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Thursday, Jul 02, 2009
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Kerala - Kochi

Consumer helpline to be launched on July 7

M.P. Praveen

KOCHI: Consumers in the State will soon have a dedicated consumer helpline to address their grievances.

Though the State Consumer Helpline is already operational on a trial basis, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies C. Divakaran will formally launch it at a function at Kanakakkunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram on July 7.

The State government has set up the helpline on the lines of the National Consumer Helpline. The Kerala State Information Technology Mission (KSITM) along with the State Consumer Affairs Department has given shape to the helpline. The project is being funded by the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Its primary objective is to create awareness among the consumers about their rights and privileges and to help them identify the right authority to approach for specific problems they face.

Under the arrangement, consumers can avail themselves of the service by dialling a toll free number 1800 425 1550. The consumer can seek the advice or guidance to resolve any problem he had encountered in connection with a service he or she is rightfully entitled from any governmental (both the Central and State governments), autonomous, private, business and medical agencies or outlets.

A major advantage expected of this arrangement is that it would reduce the burden on consumer courts. It is pointed out that provided fair avenues for settling their problems, consumers would hardly choose to take it to the courts.

The helpline will be handled with the assistance of executives at the integrated citizens call centre in Thiruvananthapuram that has been functioning since 2004. The call centre caters to general queries relating to the services rendered by various government departments and educational institutions in the State over telephone.

Since the call centre is envisaged as a facility to be utilised by all institutions with high citizen interaction, the proposed State Consumer Helpline will also draw on the service of its executives. The call centre has a Primary Rate Interface/Integrated Services Digital Network connection with 30 lines functioning round-the-clock. The call centre can be reached at the number 155300 at local call charge across the State.

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