Step to curb exploitation of consumers

Dr. Sarbeswar  Mohapatra

In many consumer products, beginning from tooth pastes to white goods, medicine and packaged eateries, the date of production / manufacturing /packaging is printed, but the ‘expiry date; is not printed. Ironically, in some corner place, in small letters not easily visible, to quote “expiry- 1 yr/2yr” is mentioned in order to cheat the end users. The customer buys expired items and faces health hazard.

 Another novel way to defraud the customers lies in the booming ‘white goods.’ Dealers are advertising different range of products with exchange/ EMI facilities, without quoting the exact price of the Individual item/ article.

Similarly, EMI amount for the two/ three and four wheelers is no exception in duping the customers. The “No interest Tag” by companies is a misleading propaganda, designed to trick the customers into the well-planned unfair trade practices.

The jewellers too quote the price of 24 carat gold only and charge the same rate for the 22/18 carat ornaments. This is where almost all Indian clients are taken for a ride in broad-daylight.

For the benefit of the Customers, the following suggestions are recommended:-

(a). Date of manufacturing, not packaging must be boldly displayed  on the  packets / covers containing the Products.

(b). The exact Expiry date (not 1 yr/2yr/ twenty four months etc.) to be mentioned proximate to the manufacturing date.

(c). Maximum Price (MRPs).

(d). Name of the person responsible for the packaging, with his cell and Office number.

( e). In the case of EMI scheme , the  exact  selling price and the EMIs thereof, have to be clearly mentioned while sealing the deal.

(f).Jewellers must display prominently, in each floor of their showroom, the day’s goldrate (24/22/18 carat).  The customer should be given the right to take snapshot of the display and be empowered to complain to the respective Departments.GIS/Hallmark to be clearly engraved in each ornament.  Uniform makingcharges should be fixed for all Jewellers.

  In the event of strict implementation of the above suggestions, the Consumers across the Country will not only be benefited, but also get ample opportunity to choose the products of their choice and the unfair trade practices by the Companies, forming a cartel, would  be curbed to large extent.

(The writer is an eminent columnist. He can be reached over phone at 9437564438)