Mangaluru: A two-day “National Seminar on Consumer Protection–Issues and Challenges” was organised by the Faculty of Commerce, St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru in collaboration with Centre for Consumer Studies (CCS) and Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, in the Eric Mathias Hall.
On this occasion, Dr. Suresh Poojary, Dean, Department of Commerce, St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) welcomed the gathering and introduced the dignitaries of the day. The inaugural address was given by the Chief Guest Dr. Ravindranath Shanbhog, President of the Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi, who is a pioneer in the consumer protection movement in which he was actively involved 7 years prior to the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
In his address, he expressed his views on the definition of the word “consumer” and the difference between the words “customer” and “consumer.” He also highlighted the fact of human rights violation that happens in prisons and other government offices. The Guest of Honour Dr. Suresh Misra, the resource person of the seminar, in his address, mentioned that the Consumer Forum is a government funded body, which receives only 30 percent financial aid, and the rest is raised by the Forum. He also expressed his concern that the recent study indicated that only 15 percent of the country’s population was aware of the Consumer Protection Act and the rights of the consumer. He said that there were many issues concerned with consumer protection but the challenges were much more, especially in the field of E-commerce, where a majority of the complaints are registered.
The Principal of St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, in his presidential address, remarked that the students should actively participate in the consumer protection movement and know the nuances in the process of getting redressed. He also voiced his concern on the role of humans in the wake of Artificial Intelligence revolution and the protection of the human rights.
Dr. Manuel Tauro, the Convener of the National Seminar, expressed his gratitude to all those who were involved in organising the event. Jenifer Quadros was the master of the ceremony. Co-convener Caroleena Janefer was also instrumental in organising the event.
The students choir sang the college anthem and the proceedings for the day followed thereafter. Dr. Suresh Misra, Professor and Chairman, CCS, IIPA, New Delhi will be the resource person for two sessions–Consumer Protection and Empowerment and Misleading Advertisements and Consumer. Dr. Sapna Chadah, Faculty of Constitutional and Administrative Law, CCS, IIPA will speak on Medical Services and Consumer and Legal Framework in respect of Consumer Protection. Nikesh Shetty, advocate, will give his views on the issues relating to Financial Services and Consumer.
Sessions on e-Commerce, Cyber Security and Consumer by Savitra Teja from the City Cyber Crime Police Station, Mangaluru and Food Safety and Consumer by Nagesh Pai, former president, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Mangaluru, will be held.
Around 200 participants were present which included teachers, students, researchers, goods and service providers, trainers and NGOs. There will be paper presentation sessions in the following day. The National Seminar is sponsored by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
