Soccoro Awareness Drive on Consumer Rights

Socorro Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law organized a talk on Consumer Rights Awareness as a part of their legal literacy programme on 23rd February 2017 at 5:00pm at the 20 point colony garden. 

The resource person was Mr. Roland Martins, GOACAN Convenor. Ms. Lona and our faculty in-charge Prof. Dr. Shabir Ali were also present. The gathering was addressed by Cell Member Mr. Nigel Lourenceo welcomed the audience and introduced the guests. Nigel also spoke about the objectives and functions of the legal aid cell.

The students members had conducted an extensive campaigning on the previous days, on 21st Feb and 22nd February and they had informed the residents to carry their domestic gas cards as requested by Mr. Roland Martins. 

Mr.Roland Martins started the session by explaining the rights of the consumers under the Consumer Protection Act as well as the reliefs available to every consumer. He also explained to the residents where to file a complaint when necessary. 

Proceeding with the talk Mr. Roland Martins demonstrated how to disconnect a cylinder as well as the procedure of connecting the cylinder in the correct manner. He also explained and showed how to light the burner with proper safety. Similarly he gave many safety tips. 

Thereafter Mr.Martins focused on the fuel conservation tips on transport and domestic sectors also in which he included small tips for LPG consumers like switching off the engines at red lights to reduce fuel bills, driving car at 45-55 KMPH which can save petrol up to 20%, use of pressure cooker to cook faster and to save fuel, having meal together with family as it can save LPG on reheating food and many more such tips. He requested all the participants to buy products having ISI marks. Leaflets on which 24 hours helpline numbers are mentioned as well as numbers to call during office hours for any complaints were distributed. 

The program ended with the vote of thanks proposed by the cell member. About 147 residents of 20 point Colony and Soccorro village Panchayat area attended the program.

LPG – Rights & Responsibilities of Consumers @ Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell

Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M Salgoacar College of Law organized a legal literacy program on “LPG – Rights & Responsibilities of Consumers” in Paloti House, Assagao on 31^st of January 2016. Renowned consumer rights activists and coordinator of a reputed NGO, GOACAN  Mr. Roland Martins was the resource person.He is also a member of Goa State Consumer Protection Council and  the Consumer Conciliation Committee of the Department Of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Goa. Prof. Aamod Shirali, the faculty in charge of the Cell, and Father Ozwald of Patoli House also attended the program.

Ms. Jennifer, student member welcomed the guests and explained about the functioning of the legal aid cells and the services students take up to ensure access to justice to all. Ms. Manjita Palyekar introduced the guests.

More than 100 people, mostly housewives had assembled for the programme and Mr. Martins explained to them the essence of Consumer Protection Act and the Rights of the Consumers. He said that there is lack of awareness in the society regarding the Act. Right to safety is the first right given under consumer protection Act, goods and services provided to us should be safe for consumption & encouraged the legal aid cell to demand safety. He spoke on the consumers’ right to information. The seller must provide all the required information about the product such as manufacturing date,expiry date,address,the price etc.

The session was quite engaging and Mr. Martins explained the mode of trace IMAI number of mobile,by using key *#06#. On the right to choice, he said that the consumer has the right to choose the goods and services of his or her liking, and that the producer or seller should not force the customer to buy a particular brand only. Other rights were right to be heard, right to seek redressal and right to consumer education. If the consumer has been exploited or has any complaints against the product or service than he has the right to be heard & be assured that his/her interest will receive due consideration. Pamphlets containing concise information on the topic were distributed.

The audience feedback shows that the program was very useful and informative. Mr.Sanyog Talkatkar proposed  vote of thanks.