GOACAN organises campaign in Margao
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, DEC 9
GOACAN on Thursday joined consumers worldwide to fight against corruption by organizing an Awareness Action near the Communidade building, Margao.
The Awareness Action was held as part of its ongoing Consumer rights awareness Fortnight by GOACAN on the occasion of the international anti-corruption day on December 9 which has been promoted worldwide by the United Nations.
GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins said today’s awareness action participated by volunteers of consumer forums highlighted the importance of supporting the ongoing worldwide fight against corruption by consumers in their daily lives.
“During the Awareness Action, consumers were reminded that on a daily basis they use goods and services provided by the Goa Govt. controlled Departments and Corporations covering a range of services like water supply, electricity, kerosene, rations, milk, bus transport, ferry boats, pay toilets, pay parking, roads etc”, he said.
Martins said while many consumers grumble about the poor quality of service and
about being over charged, few consumers actually file complaints to make a change in the system so as to improve service delivery and put a stop to being short changed. The fight for better services by consumers is in actual fact a fight against corruption which is the primary cause of the problems faced by them, he added.
Similarly, consumers were reminded of the goods & services used daily by them which are provided by the Central Govt. Departments & Corporations, Public Sector Companies and those owned by other State Govts. Consumers in Goa use LPG cylinders, telephones, postal services, banks, railways, airports etc where sub standard materials are
used and part of the money is being siphoned off to pay bribes to various officials.
He said consumers were informed that goods and services are provided based on Tenders issued to Contractors by these Govt. Depts. and Corporations and involve corrupt practices that eventually affect the Consumer’s Right to good quality products and services.
“This awareness activity is being undertaken also by keeping in mind that the months of December-January being peak tourism season, has an impact on the quality of services, availability of products and functioning of the supervisory, vigilance and redressal mechanisms for consumers in Goa”, he added, adding that Tourists in Goa are also on the receiving end of poor quality goods & services being provided and at most times they do not file complaints with the concerned agencies due to which the corrupt practices being followed carry on unabated.
