The Consumer Forum Association of the college is continuing its Certificate Course on Consumer Education for the academic year 2020-2021.
During the academic year 2020-21, 18 students had enrolled for the Certificate Course on Consumer Education. The virtual inauguration of the same was held on May 22, 2021 through Google Meet by Mrs. Dejamma A, IQAC Co-ordinator and Head, Department of Commerce, Canara College, Mangaluru. She spoke on the Certificate Course on Consumer Education and how it would help the students in their personality development. She discussed the various activities to be carried out. The resource person educated the students on Consumer Protection Act and guided them to be strong enough to raise any issues affecting them. 18 students participated in this programme.
A week-long virtual sessions on various topics related to consumer education were organized for the members of the certificate course. The first virtual session on New Consumer Protection Act 2019 was held on August 23, 2021 at 11.30 AM by Mrs. Jayashree Shetty, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce. She briefed on the salient features of New Consumer Protection Act 2019 and the provisions to strengthen the voice of the consumers in comparison to the previous Consumer Protection Act 1986. She also said how this Act empowers the consumer in protecting and safeguarding the rights and interests from unfair trade practices and created awareness among the members to know about the various redressal agencies they can approach to protect their interests.
The second virtual session on “Misleading Advertisement” was held on August 24, 2021 at 2.30 PM by Mrs. Seema Prabhu, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce. In her presentation she mentioned the different cases of misleading advertisements and consequences of the same. She briefed on the various laws that guide and control such advertisements.
The third session on “Online shopping” was held on August 25, 2021 at 2.30 PM by Mrs. Swathi Nayak. Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce. She spoke on the concept of electronic commerce which allows consumers to buy goods or services directly from the seller through internet using a web browser. She also briefed them with the pros and cons of online shopping.
The fourth session on “Alternate Redressal Mechanism of Consumers” was held on 26 August, 2021 at 7.00 PM. The Resource Person Mrs. Vinoda V. Nayak, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce started the session by giving an introduction to the procedures of Alternate Redressal Mechanism. She educated the students on how to resolve the disputes by resorting to Alternate Dispute Resolution methods without entering the portals of court. She analysed certain cases with regard to this.
The fifth session on “Medical Negligence” was held on August 27, 2021 at 2.30 PM. The Resource Person Mrs. Sushma R. Shetty Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce educated the members regarding Medical Negligence, its types, the Acts that amount to Medical Negligence, actions to be taken and remedies available to the victims in case of Medical Negligence citing a few examples.
The sixth session on “Food Adulteration” was held on August 28, 2021 at 3.00 PM. The Resource Person was Mrs. Anasuya Bhagavath Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce. In this session she explained the different types of food adulterations and the way it is done. She also gave some inputs on health hazards of food adulteration and measures for addressing the same.
Members of the certificate course also participated in World Consumer Day celebrated at Besant Women’s College, Mangaluru on March 15, 2021.
The written examination was held on August 31, 2021 through online mode. The members were assessed on the basis of written test, assignments and their participation in the virtual sessions .Altogether 18 students participated.
Report by,
Mrs.Jayashree Shetty
