BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
โฆ๐๐๐ ๐ช๐ช๐จ๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ต๐. 8,248/- ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Tshering Dorji
In the month of December 2023, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) reported a total of 12 consumer complaints. Notably, six of these complaints have been successfully resolved, showcasing the dedication of the CCAA in addressing consumer grievances promptly.
The nature of the complaints predominantly revolved around breaches of business terms and conditions. However, one complaint stood out, involving an allegation of inaccurate weight in the sale of produce. The CCAA is actively engaged in the resolution process for the remaining complaints, employing various stages such as investigation, mediation, dispute settlement, and legal recourse in the court of law.
During the same period, the Consumer Protection and Competition Enforcement Division (CPCED) conducted a comprehensive surveillance operation in major marketplaces across Bumthang, Trongsa, and Zhemgang Dzongkhags for a span of 15 days. This initiative covered a total of 245 businesses of various types.
The surveillance revealed that the majority of businesses demonstrated compliance with regulatory requirements. For those falling short, the businesses were given an immediate opportunity to rectify their practices or face fines in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act of 2012 and Consumer Protection Rules and Regulations of 2015.
In a comprehensive analysis of business establishments across Bumthang, Trongsa, and Zhemgang Dzongkhags, the local marketplaces emerged as hubs of diverse economic activities. Bumthang Dzongkhag, encompassing Gaytsa, Chumey, Chamkhar, and Jakar, hosted a total of 94 businesses, showcasing a rich assortment of enterprises. This included a spectrum of businesses such as 1 Petroleum Retail Outlet (PRO), 25 Restaurants & Hotels, 3 Garment Shops, 29 Groceries, 4 Hardware Shops, 5 Salons/Beauty Parlors, 1 Bakery, 3 Tailor Shops, 18 Vegetable Vendors, and 5 Meat Shops, contributing to the dynamic economic fabric of the region.
Meanwhile, in Trongsa Dzongkhag, spanning Trongsa Town, Langthel, Kuengarabten, Dangdung, and Drakten, a total of 70 businesses were identified. The array of enterprises included 2 PROs, 11 Restaurants & Hotels, 2 Garment Shops, 27 Groceries, 1 Hardware Shop, 2 Salons/Beauty Parlors, 2 Bakeries, 2 Tailor Shops, 20 Vegetable Vendors, and 1 Meat Shop. Additionally, Zhemgang Dzongkhag, covering Zhemgang Town, Drakpai, Tingtibi, Yebilaptsa, Panthang, and Panbang, boasted a total of 81 businesses. These comprised 3 PROs, 13 Restaurants & Hotels, 4 Garment Shops, 46 Groceries, 1 Hardware Shop, and 3 Bakeries. Together, these bustling marketplaces painted a vivid picture of economic diversity and vitality, underlining the significance of local businesses in shaping the regional economic landscape.
The CCAA successfully facilitated refunds totaling Nu. 8,248/- for consumers who had not received their goods despite making advance payments. Additionally, the authority provided advisory services to consumers, specifically outlining their rights and duties, in an effort to enhance consumer awareness and protection.
The CCAA remains committed to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring fair business practices within the marketplaces.
