New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, organised a Regional Workshop on Consumer Protection for Eastern States today in Patna, Bihar, bringing together key stakeholders from Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha to strengthen consumer grievance redressal and improve the functioning of Consumer Commissions.
The workshop focused on reducing case pendency, improving compliance of consumer commission orders, using digital tools for faster justice, and addressing emerging challenges such as dark patterns and unfair trade practices in digital market.
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Key technical sessions
The workshop featured four technical sessions covering critical aspects of consumer protection. Technical Session I on “E-Jagriti: Advancing Consumer Justice Through Digital Innovation” focused on digital transformation of Consumer Commissions and the use of technology for case management, hybrid hearings and performance monitoring.
Technical Session II on “Ensuring Speedy Disposal: Best Practices for Minimizing Adjournments” deliberated on procedural reforms, judicial time management, and technology- enabled scheduling mechanisms for expediting case disposal. Technical Session III on “Ensuring Compliance: Effective Execution of Consumer Commission Orders” examined institutional strategies for strengthening post-order enforcement, inter-departmental coordination and monitoring of execution proceedings. Technical Session IV on “Dark Patterns and Consumer Protection in Digital Markets” addressed emerging challenges in e-commerce and digital services, including misleading interfaces, manipulative practices and the growing importance of regulatory and adjudicatory preparedness.
Parallel sessions were also held on Legal Metrology reforms, including E-Maap and the Jan Vishwas Bill, and on procurement and market intervention for price stabilisation. The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Pratyaya Amrit, Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar, and Shri Abhay Kumar Singh, Secretary, Food and Consumer Protection Department, Government of Bihar. The keynote address was delivered by Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Anupam Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. The workshop saw participation from Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of Consumer Affairs and Agriculture Departments, Presidents, Members and Registrars of State and District Consumer Commissions, senior State officials, NIC representatives, Chairman and Managing Director of NCCF, and Voluntary Consumer Organisations. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to expand digital adoption, strengthen institutional capacity, ensure effective execution of orders and enhance inter-State cooperation. The Department of Consumer Affairs reaffirmed its continued support to Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha in building a fast, accessible and technology-driven consumer justice system.
