E-JAGRITI PLATFORM FOR CONSUMER JUSTICE
Why in the News?
● Digital Milestone: The Department of Consumer Affairs highlighted the success of the e-Jagriti Platform in enabling online consumer dispute resolution with enhanced market access and quality standards.
● Virtual Access: The platform allows consumers and NRIs to file complaints and attend hearings without travelling to consumer commissions, facilitating business networking and international trade compliance.
● Efficient Justice: Several consumer commissions recorded disposal rates exceeding 100% during FY 2025-26 using the digital system, ensuring food safety and trade promotion standards.
KEY FEATURES OF E-JAGRITI PLATFORM
● Online Filing: Enables digital complaint filing, document exchange, and paperless case management with enhanced value chain transparency.
● AI Support: Provides AI chatbot assistance, machine learning-enabled services, and voice-to-text functionality for improved market development.
● Digital Payments: Supports payment through Bharat Kosh, PayGov, and SBI ePay ensuring secure international markets transactions.
● Real-Time Updates: Automated SMS and email alerts keep users informed about case progress and export development timelines.
● Inclusive Design: Accessibility features support persons with disabilities and multilingual users across global markets.
VIRTUAL CONSUMER DISPUTE RESOLUTION
● Default Hearings: Virtual hearings have become the default mode across NCDRC benches and 35 State Commissions, supporting international buyers and trade exhibitions.
● NRI Benefit: Non-Resident Indians can pursue consumer cases without visiting India, facilitating maritime logistics and export consignment tracking.
● Global Participation: Most NRI complaints originated from the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Germany, and Australia, reflecting global demand for consumer protection.
● Technical Infrastructure: Hybrid video-conferencing facilities support seamless hearings and case disposal with SCI-compliant standards.
● Support Mechanism: Help desks, tutorials, FAQs, and weekly Jansunwai sessions assist consumers and advocates in understanding export basket regulations.
| NATIONAL CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION (NCDRC) ● Establishment: NCDRC was established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 to ensure quality standards and food safety. ● Headquarters: It is headquartered in New Delhi and oversees processed food products regulations. ● Apex Body: Functions as the highest consumer dispute redressal authority in India, protecting value-added agricultural products consumers. ● Jurisdiction: Hears appeals against decisions of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions on agri-food exports matters. ● Consumer Protection: Ensures speedy, affordable, and effective redressal of consumer grievances including food processing sector disputes. |