Chennai: Having handled more than 15,0000 consumer complaints across the country, Consumers Association of India (CAI), a voluntary consumer organisation today launched a helpline number 044-2449 3443 to empower the consumers with information.
Speaking to press, CAI projects director Swathi Sathyamurthi said, ‘We shell out thousands of rupees to buy a product. However, if it gets repaired we either decide to buy a new one or have a hopeless fight with the manufacturer. Beyond that, it is analysed that most of the consumers are unaware of the consumer rights which we want to propagate through this initiative.’
“Vast expansion of business and trade has resulted in flooding of our markets with increased variety of products. It is therefore necessary to protect the interests of consumers from exploitation,” said CAI managing trustee Ramachandran.
CAI aims to empower the consumers in two ways – To provide advice, guidance, information and empower them to fight for their consumer rights and to persuade businesses to reorient their policy and management systems to address consumer grievances in an effective, efficient and quick manner.
The helpline service can be availed between 10 am and 5.30 pm, from Monday to Friday. Enquiries and complaints can also be sent via email to [email protected].