The Madhya Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission hosted a workshop in Bhopal to address emerging challenges faced by consumers in the digital marketplace. The event aimed to discuss consumer rights, online fraud, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
In light of the changing digital marketplace that offers increased convenience but also introduces new challenges for consumers, including fraud, data privacy concerns, and the need for swift grievance redressal, the Madhya Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission held a workshop titled 'Empowering the Digital Consumer: Rights, Redressal and Safe Transactions'. The event was organized in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh State Policy Commission and took place at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre on Monday.
The inauguration of the workshop was graced by the Chairperson of the Madhya Pradesh State Consumer Commission, Justice Smt. Sunita Yadav, along with Member Dr. Monika Malik, Registrar Shri Shriman Shukla, Commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department Shri Dinesh Jain, and President of the Consumer Bar Shri Mohan Chouksey.
Justice Smt. Yadav emphasized the importance of a simple and accessible grievance redressal mechanism for consumers to avoid complex procedures when filing complaints. She also highlighted the need for educated citizens who understand their rights and exercise caution while making digital transactions, as well as involving law students and youth in consumer awareness dialogues.
Commission Registrar Shri Shriman Shukla spoke about the changes in technology and trade that have increased convenience for consumers but have also led to new types of e-commerce fraud, theft, misuse of personal information, online financial fraud, and complaints related to digital transactions. He proposed the need for more effective mechanisms for monitoring, mediation, and resolution of complaints.
Commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Shri Dinesh Jain, stated that the department has a direct interface with approximately 5.17 crore consumers through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and procurement operations under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
Commission Member Dr. Monika Malik identified delayed deliveries, fake online reviews, misleading entities, misuse of consumer data, and privacy concerns related to personal information as major challenges in the digital marketplace.
Source:
MPInfo English News
