NHRC urges to safeguard consumer rights during festival season

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 28: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on all relevant authorities to protect consumer rights and ensure the availability of essential goods and services during the upcoming Dashain Tihar and Chhath festivals.

This appeal follows recent monitoring by the NHRC, which revealed significant issues in the food and transport sectors. 

The NHRC team gathered information from consumers and vendors at shops operated by Food Management and Trading Company Limited, Salt Trading Corporation, their affiliated fair-price shops, supermarkets, retail grocery stores and transport business centres.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the NHRC informed that monitoring was conducted in key areas of the Kathmandu Valley, including Balkhu, Kalanki, New Bus Park, Gaushala and Koteshwar. 

During the monitoring, it was found that despite the fair-price shops being operated by Food Management and Trading Company Limited and Salt Trading Corporation, the price of vegetables has been increasing significantly with the approach of the festivals.

Additionally, items in supermarkets were found to be more expensive compared to smaller retail shops, raising concerns about price fairness for consumers.

In the transport sector, despite the availability of online booking and regulations against overcharging, several violations were observed, the NHRC said. 

The statement added that vehicles operating between Kathmandu and Hetauda were found charging nearly double the prescribed fare. 

Similarly, fare lists were displayed at ticket counters but rarely inside vehicles. Additionally, the commission pointed out several problems including, insufficient toilet facilities at major bus parks and the lack of reservation systems in small vehicles were also noted.

Moreover, seat reservation for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, senior citizens, disabled individuals and patients was not enforced properly.

The NHRC cited Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, 1966, to highlight the state’s responsibility to protect consumer rights. 

The commission also reminded authorities that Article 44 of the Constitution of Nepal guarantees every consumer the right to receive quality goods and services and compensation for any harm caused by substandard products or services. 

The Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049, further mandates the state to provide efficient and accessible transport facilities to the general public.

The commission urged all stakeholders, including the three tiers of government, local administration and security agencies, to intensify their monitoring efforts to uphold consumer rights. 

It stressed the need for effective measures to ensure safe, dignified, and human rights-friendly transportation during the festive season and to prioritise the needs of vulnerable groups in vehicle reservations.

Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the commission, called for the establishment of fair pricing mechanisms for essential commodities and urged all parties to be responsible for ensuring easy access to these items for the general public.