New Delhi
The Indian government has introduced the e-Jagriti portal and video conferencing (VC) facility for the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and state consumer commissions as part of its focus on leveraging technology for consumer protection and grievance redressal. Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal launched these facilities during the National Consumer Day celebrations, highlighting the government’s efforts to build consumer trust. The e-Jagriti portal, VC facility for NCDRC, drone testing in the National Test House, and the National Consumer Helpline 2.0 in 17 languages are part of these initiatives. Minister Goyal urged the Department of Consumer Affairs to turn Jagriti into a jan andolan (people’s movement) by spreading awareness, providing choices, efficient grievance redressal, and gathering continuous feedback from consumers. He emphasized the need for collaborative strategies with consumer commissions to leverage technology for quicker resolution of consumer cases. While acknowledging the benefits of technological expansion, Minister Goyal also cautioned about associated risks, particularly in areas like AI and consumer protection. He highlighted the recent release of Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, aiming to prevent and regulate manipulative practices for a fair and transparent marketplace. In addition to the e-Jagriti portal and VC facility, Minister Goyal inaugurated various facilities, including a drone certification facility, new laboratories at the National Test House, and domestic appliances testing laboratories. He also emphasized the proactive measures taken to manage food inflation and appreciated initiatives such as the establishment of 140 new Price Monitoring Centres, bringing the total to 550.
