Hyderabad: There is no active helpline in Telugu states to address consumer grievances. Consumers are forced to approach National Consumer Helpline, which forwards the complaints to the respective firms, which in turn takes its own time for redressal.
There is no major initiative from the state government or consumer affairs department to create awareness among consumers through the helpline number on consumer rights.
The Union ministry of food and consumer affairs has been campaigning extensively through media and outdoor publicity for the “Jago Grahak Jago” programme for the past few years and providing multiple options for consumers to lodge complaints on either the toll-free number or through SMS and online complaints.
There is also a provision for consumers to check their complaint status. Unfortunately, there are no such serious efforts from the consumer affairs departments in TS and AP.
Even the toll-free numbers have been changed frequently causing further confusion to consumers. In 2007, the state government had launched toll-free number 1860-425-3333 for consumers. However, it became defunct within three years. After formation of TS, a new toll free number 1800-425-00333 was launched in January 2015. No effort was made by the department to publicise this number due to which consumers are unaware of this toll-free number.
Also, there is no mechanism in place for consumers to know the status of their complaint once it is filed. Consumers, therefore, prefer to register their complaint on the National Consumer Helpline instead of the state’s helpline.
