Odisha CM Encourages Digital Complaint Filing to Protect Consumers from Fraud

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday urged citizens to embrace digital platforms for filing consumer complaints, ensuring swift and hassle-free access to justice. Addressing the State-Level National Consumer Day 2024 event, he emphasized the transformative role of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 in safeguarding consumer rights.

“File complaints digitally without any hassle and secure justice,” the Chief Minister stated, advocating for greater adoption of e-filing systems to protect consumers from fraud. He highlighted the collaborative role of government agencies, the private sector, voluntary organizations, civil society, and the media in making consumer protection campaigns effective.

Majhi acknowledged the limitations of the original Consumer Protection Act of 1986, which lacked sufficient mechanisms to hold fraudulent entities accountable. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the Consumer Protection Act 2019, which came into effect on July 20, 2020. “This law aims to hold fraudulent entities accountable and prevent scams,” he said.

Highlighting the impact of fraud in the digital age, Majhi cited the 2010 chit-fund scam in Odisha as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for robust consumer protections. He stressed the importance of the Consumer Protection Authority in investigating violations and safeguarding consumer interests.

The Chief Minister noted that the state’s e-filing system allows consumers to lodge complaints conveniently from their homes. He reiterated his vision of a prosperous Odisha by 2036, where consumer fraud is eliminated, and urged the public to provide feedback on creating a fair business environment in the state.

State Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krishna Chandra Patra echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments, assuring that the department would take proactive steps to strengthen Consumer Courts and bolster consumer protection measures.

Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission Chairman Dilip Mohapatra highlighted Odisha’s pioneering initiatives, including the introduction of an online hearing system and mandatory online case filing. “These measures reflect Odisha’s commitment to creating a consumer-friendly ecosystem,” he said.

The event marked a renewed commitment to ensuring justice and protection for consumers across Odisha, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in achieving these goals.