CCPA Imposes ₹77.6 Lakh Fine on 24 Coaching Institutes for Deceptive Ads
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The CCPA has fined 24 coaching institutes ₹77.6 lakh for misleading advertisements. The authority has also assisted students in securing refunds for unfulfilled services and taken action against e-commerce platforms and travel companies for consumer rights violations.
Key Takeaways
- CCPA fines amount to ₹77.6 lakh.
- 46 notices issued to coaching institutes.
- DoCA helped secure ₹1.56 crore in refunds.
- Measures taken against e-commerce platforms.
- Travel companies refunded ₹1,454 crores.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has levied fines totaling Rs 77,60,000 on 24 coaching institutes for misleading advertisements within the nation, as disclosed by the government on Tuesday.
The CCPA, which was established under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, has issued 46 notices to multiple coaching institutes regarding deceptive advertising practices.
In a written response in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, BL Verma, stated that the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCE) has assisted students enrolled in coaching centers for civil services, engineering courses, and other programs in obtaining compensation for unfulfilled services, delayed classes, or canceled courses.
Verma highlighted that the DoCA has successfully recovered Rs 1.56 crore for over 600 aspirants and students in the education sector through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).
He remarked that these students were previously denied rightful refunds despite adhering to the terms and conditions set by the coaching institutes.
In addition to coaching institutes, the CCPA has taken action against various entities including e-commerce platforms and travel companies.
The regulator has acted against e-commerce platforms for infringing on consumer rights, citing false and misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, as stated by Verma.
He further noted that the list includes measures against the sale of domestic pressure cookers that fail to comply with mandatory BIS standards on e-commerce platforms.
Verma mentioned that travel companies have refunded Rs. 1,454 crores to consumers for canceled flights due to the Covid-19 lockdown, citing data up to March 20 of last year.
“The CCPA has also required these companies to update their websites with clear instructions and status updates regarding refund claims for canceled tickets,” the Minister added.
Moreover, based on orders issued by the CCPA, 13,118 listings of car seat belt alarm stopper clips have been removed from major e-commerce platforms.
These products were delisted for violating consumer rights by compromising the life and safety of consumers by silencing alarm beeps when seat belts are not in use,” Verma stated.
