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----------------------------------------------------------------------- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ph:2252660 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Tivim Forum to strengthen consumer movement. ----------------------------------------------------------------
The Tivim Civic and Consumer Forum has resolved to strengthen the consumer movement at the village level and network with other consumer forums in Goa to protect the interests of citizens and consumers stated Mr. Dominic D'Souza, President of TCCF in his welcome speech at the awareness program held at Livramento Hall, Tivim on Saturday.
The awareness program organized by TCCF in collaboration with Goa Desc Resource Centre, Mapusa, Department of Food & Drugs Administration and Department of Legal Metrology (Weights & Measures) to commemorate its fifth anniversary was attended by over 300 consumers.
Mr. Dinesh Mahale in his report highlighted the activities of the Forum during the past year, stated that the TCCF which was established 5 years ago by concerned citizens with an aim of creating awareness amongst consumers has faced many challenges in promoting the Consumer Protection Act and Goa Village Panchayati Raj Act. As the Forum is not affiliated to any political party it has worked for the all round development of the village and ameliorated the difficulties of the citizens.
Besides tackling issues related to telephones, electricity, LPG cylinder delivery, water supply, banking, bus transport and road improvements, the Forum has mobilized peoples participation in the Village Gram Sabhas and helped Senior Citizens in obtaining Identity Cards cards from the Social Welfare Department. The Forum conducts monthly meetings every 2nd. Saturday at St. Ann's High School Tivim where awareness is created and guidance is provided to citizens in solving their consumer problems.
Delegations of the Forum have in the recent past met with Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar, local MLA Mr. Sadanand Tanawade, BSNL General Manager Chenchiah, Hindustan Petroleum Regional Manager Mr.Chhater Singh and Director of Civil Supplies Mr.N.B. Narvekar to highlight various civic and consumer issues of Tivim Village.
In his awareness presentation Mr. Pramod Jain Asst. Controller of FDA spoke about the aims and objectives of the Department and also the existing laws in this regard. Mr. Mohan Naik, Public Analyst explained how daily consumption food articles such as tea powder, milk, ghee, turmeric powder and other spices are adulterated and then he demonstrated a test by which these can be easily detected.
Mr. N.M.Naik, Controller, along with Mr.. Naik, Asst. Controller & Mr. Pankaj Narvekar, Inspector, Department of Legal Metrology explained how to be vigilant about the correct weights and measures of goods purchased. They also stressed how some unscrupulous traders paste rate stickers on top of Maximum Retail Price(MRP) thus manipulating the price and cheating gullible consumers. The tricks used by hawkers and traders in manipulating the weigh scales were also demonstrated.
Mr. Naguesh Naik stated that many exhibitions cum sales are organized in Goa where heavy discounted items are sold, but in reality the consumers are cheated as there is no guarantee on the materials and after sale service is absent and the seller himself has disappeared leaving the consumer with defective or substandard goods. He called upon the consumers to be more vigilant and bring to their notice any wrong doing so that they can take punitive action against the offenders.
Mr. Roland Martins Co-ordinator of Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN) in his speech called upon the audience to support the movement of the Tivim Forum. He informed that more than 20 such Forums were functioning all over Goa thus making the collective power of consumers in tacking the issues at the Panchayat level more effective. He also stressed that citizens should attend the Gram Sabhas and put before the Panchayat their proposals for development and their grievances if any.
The Sarpanch of Tivim Village Panchayat Ms. Leticia Fernandes and Ex-Sarpanch Ms. Amancia Pereira also attended the awareness program. Ms. Monica D'Souza compered and Mr. Joaquim T. Lobo proposed a vote of thanks.
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