Agartala, September 30, 2024: Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated a state-level consumer awareness seminar at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan today. The event also marked the formation of consumer clubs at school and college levels.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of consumer awareness regarding the Consumer Protection Act. He highlighted the need for consumers to collect correct cash memos during purchases to ensure access to proper and swift legal services. He noted that such awareness programs are crucial to protect consumers from fraud in various sectors, including real estate and online shopping.
The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department has established consumer clubs in 100 schools and 18 colleges across the state. These clubs aim to educate students about consumer rights and responsibilities, fostering a culture of informed consumers.
Chief Minister Saha reiterated the state government’s commitment to transparency and service delivery. He mentioned the introduction of the e-PDS system to enhance transparency in the public distribution system. Additionally, old ration cards are being replaced with durable PVC cards.
Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Sushanta Chowdhury, praised Tripura’s public distribution system, noting its digitization to ensure actual consumers receive their rations. He announced initiatives to provide 1 kg of sugar, 2 kg of maida, and 500 grams of suji free of cost during Durga Puja. Furthermore, a grant of Rs. 2,000 will be provided to over 600 workers of the Food Department for the festival.
Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairman of the State Consumer Commission and Judge of the Tripura High Court, commended the timely efforts to raise consumer awareness in the digital age. Special Secretary of the Food Department, Ravel Hemendra Kumar, informed that consumer commissions have been established in four districts, with plans to extend this to the remaining districts.
The event also saw the unveiling of the Food Department’s quarterly magazine, ‘Bhokta Sangbad,’ and the awarding of winners of an essay competition on consumer rights. The Chief Minister inaugurated the distribution of free suji, maida, and sugar through the public distribution system and the Puja grant program for Food Department workers.
Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumdar of Agartala Municipal Corporation and Director of the Food Department Nirmal Adhikari were also present at the event.
