Consumer awareness can reduce chances of fraud : Minister Shri Patra

Bhubaneswar : World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated today. The event organized by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department was held at Jayadev Bhawan here on the theme ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyle’. Joining as Chief Guest, Minister for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Shri Krushna Chandra Patra said that If consumers become aware, the possibility of falling prey to fraud can be eliminated. He emphasized strict enforcement and prompt action by the concerned officials on the complaints.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh said that the concept of market has been evolved with the changing times. So the consumers must be aware of their responsibilities and rights. He also reiterated on the functioning of the state and district consumer commissions and deliberated on strategies to empower consumers further.

Director & Head of Bureau of Indian Standards, Bhubaneswar Branch Shri A.K. Purohit as keynote speaker and president of Khurda District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Shri Krushna Chandra Rath as the Special Guest spoke on the occasion. Shri Rath suggested that consumers should avail the facilities being provided through the State Consumer Redressal Commission and 31 District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, the State Consumer Counselling Centres and State Consumer Awareness Institutes working in the State for the protection of consumers.

On this occasion, the guests released the ‘News Letter’ for the month of February and gave away prizes to the winners of English and Odia debate organized among the students at the school level. A play on consumer awareness was also performed.

Managing Director of Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation K. Sudarshan Chakravarty delivered the welcome address while Director of Consumer Affairs and Special Secretary Smt. Anjana Panda proposed the vote of thanks.