Manipur joined the rest of the world in observing World Consumer Rights Day 2023 under the theme, ‘Clean Energy Transitions’ with observations being held in various locations across the state on Wednesday.
Manipur Consumers’ Club also organised the observation at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Imphal on Wednesday.
Lamlai assembly constitutency MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, president of Consumers’ Club T Phulchand Sharma and former president of Consumers' Forum Redressal Forum Ch Narendra among others attended the event.
On the occasion, Kh Ibomcha stated that consumers have a huge stake in daily economic transactions which are safeguarded by the Indian Constitution. He maintained that consumers have the right to take legal actions against people who are guilty of misleading customers for mere profits.
“The Consumer Right Act was enacted in 1986 to provide security to consumers and to ensure consumers are treated honestly during transactions of any kind,” he said.
He pointed out that the government will strive to deliver this right to every consumer in the state and exhorted people to equip themselves with information on consumer rights and act as responsible well informed citizens.
“Lack of awareness about the right is the main reason consumers are suffering in the country,” he said.
Ibomcha further stated that observance plays a vital role in informing people about the changing nature of consumers in the state and country.
Ibomcha maintained that people should strive collectively to protect the rich natural forest areas in the state. He highlighted that massive deforestation and encroachment on protected forest areas had fuelled the growth of unwanted issues such as water scarcity and climatic changes in Manipur.
He also claimed that the government cannot provide water when seasonal rain in the state is halted.
“Protected forest areas fall under government purview but the selfish agendas of few people have caused great harm to such lands; therefore, the people need to come in line with the government regulations and extend their support in preserving the environment for posterity,” he added.
The MLA further stated that there is no communal politics behind the government’s initiative to protect the forest areas and maintained that every dispute can be settled with proper dialogue and discussions.
