As a chief guest addressed in seminar of ” Consumer Problems and Loss Protection” was organized by the All India Consumer Upliftment Organization and Consumer Welfare Board at Valsad.
By, Krishna Mishra ” Gautam”
A seminar on the topic “Consumer Problems and Loss Protection” was organized by the All India Consumer Upliftment Organization and Consumer Welfare Board Valsad at the Patel Samaj’s Wadi Valsad in the special presence of Gujarat Food and Drug Commissioner Hemantbhai Koshiya.
In his speech, the Food and Drug Commissioner stated that the Food and Drug Department in Gujarat works with technology to ensure the satisfaction of the people. Mobile vans in every district perform sample checking of deficient items. Hemantbhai Koshiya specifically mentioned that his department is working with more than 4700 staff, which is impressive despite being fewer than needed. He provided statistical information about the work done by his department in the state.
Preetiben Pandya, Executive President of Consumer Confederation of India, elaborated on the problems faced by consumers. During the inquiry, it was mentioned that the electricity company provides a bill for two months. However, if the bill is issued for one month, the amount can be reduced considerably. This representation has been brought to the government, and a request will be made again. Detailed information on the prices of medical and medicine (dawa) was shared, and customers have been asked to make complaints in writing to the concerned officials.
Jethabhai Patel, Regional President of the organization, mentioned that the organization has a presence in 23 states across the country and in all the districts of Gujarat except for a few. He demanded that the Food and Drug Commissioner set up a laboratory for testing food samples in every district.
Following the inquiry, it was revealed that there are seven fake mawa and paneer factories in Valsad. Valsad Food Department officer Dilipbhai Nayak said that action is being taken by his department in this matter, and further steps will be taken after receiving the report. Babubhai Patel, President of Consumer Confederation of India, and Pratap Chhapia, a leading advocate of Surat, discussed consumer-related issues in their speeches. Vijay Goyal, regional vice president of the organization, highlighted the key works done by the organization in the last two years, including campaigns against fake milk and milk products statewide, and accidents due to potholes on the national highway. In 2022, a campaign was launched to demand compensation for the damage caused to vehicles. As a result, the Government of India fixed the responsibility of the zonal officer of the National Highway Authority of India in case of accidents due to potholes on the national highway. Consequently, potholes were repaired promptly during the 2023 rainy season.
Vijay Goyal also outlined plans for a large educational conference in the Valsad district after the elections. Principals, teachers, parents, and students from all the schools in the district will participate, and efforts will be made to address existing problems. He also announced several appointments within the organization with the consent of the state president.
Other district officials who were present at the program included President of the South Gujarat Chemist Association Kaushikbhai Makadia, President of Valsad Taluka Wholesale Traders Association Samirbhai Mapara, Minister of Akhil Hind Mahila Parishad Kirtiban Bhaduntia, President of the Association District Rajubhai Mehta, General Secretary Shripad Dohande Soni, Umragam President Rahul Mehta, Dharampur President Mahesh Tandel, as well as various traders. Valsad city president Pradeep Kothari, vice president Mukeshbhai Ojha, Valsad Consumer Welfare Board general secretary Nareshbhai Balsari, and his team members Bharat Goyal, Vishnubhai Patil, Ashok Mohammed, Manzoor Malek, and Pradeep Vazirani, worked diligently to make the program a success.
