PANAJI
Advertising is an integral and important part of business and huge amounts are spent on advertising and marketing of products and services. In a bid to grab maximum number of eyeballs and increase their sales, many companies try to lure consumers through advertisements that are deceptive, false or misleading and also by deceptive labelling of food products and this despite the existence of various regulatory bodies like Advertising Council of India, Consumer Protection Act and Consumer Forums, Reserve Bank of India, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India etc.
Along with a plethora of laws, there are an increasing number of cases of deceptive, false or misleading and unethical advertisements and labelling that deceive consumers, points out Pallavi Arondekar, director, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
Mentioning that this happens mainly because of lack of awareness among the consumers about the concept of false and misleading advertisements, how it affects them and what remedies are available against these malpractices, Arondekar adds that taking a lead GCCI has organised two seminars on April 8 to educate the Goans.
Ahmedabad-based consumer organisation Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) in association with GCCI and Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) is organising these seminars to address the impact of misleading, false advertisements and mislabelling and also discuss various legal provisions and remedies against the damage caused to consumers.
The first seminar on mislabelling and misbranding of food products will be held at 9.30 for legal professionals, students of law and others engaged in consumer awareness activities. Anindita Mehta, chief general manager and laboratory director, Consumer Education & Research Centre (CERC), Ahmedabad will be the speaker for this seminar.
The second seminar on misleading advertisements will be at 4 pm wherein GCCI members, consumer associations and the general public can attend. AnushaIyer, manager - advocacy and associate editor at GrahakSathi, Consumer Education & Research Centre (CERC), Ahmedabad will be the speaker of this seminar.
Participation is open to all and there are no participation fees. Contact Melane Rodrigues at [email protected] or WhatsApp on 97641 61205 for registration.
