Consumers should be vigilant about their rights and exercise them with responsibility, observed speakers at the World Consumer Rights Day programme organised by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection here on Saturday.
M.P. Nirmala, Secretary, Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection Department, stressed that consumers should be aware of their rights and check the maximum retail price and the quality of products they consumed.
“They should check the contents and quantity of the products before buying them. It is necessary to obtain bills for all purchases,” she said.
Collector L. Subramanian, in his address, said, “Before buying any product, the consumers should always look for the maximum retail price printed on it. The expiry date of the products, especially eatables or medicines, should be noted. Consumers should see if the name and address of the manufacturer is printed on each product. This will help them buy quality products.”
Mr.Subramanian pointed out that several consumers got carried away by advertisements and became addicted to certain products. “The Consumer Rights Day was observed to put an end to such things and educate the consumers on their rights, duties and the protection (they get) under the law,” he said.
Consumer activists who spoke on the occasion said not many people understood the meaning of consumers. “From the common man to the President of the country, everyone is a consumer,” they said.
Cultural events, exhibition and rallies were also organised as part of the celebration.
Around 200 students, members of self-help groups and consumer activists from various districts took part in the State-level awareness programme.
