FCS&CA issues charter of rights for consumers

Srinagar: In the interest of consumers, the Directorate of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department today issued a charter of rights consumers have while purchasing jewellery item.

As per the statement issued here, it was informed that the Hallmarking of gold jewellery is becoming mandatory from 16th June, 2021 under the quality control order issued by Bureau of Indian Standards i.e. jewellers have to sell only hallmarked gold jewellery in their sale-centres.

It was given out that the Hallmarking of gold jewellery has been restricted to only three grades i.e. 22 carat, 18 carat and 14 carat and in case of doubt about the purity of gold-content in the ornament, consumers can get their jewellery tested from any of the BIS recognized Assaying & Hallmarking (A&H) Centre on nominal charges.

Presently, there are only four A&H Centres in UT of J&K of which one is at Srinagar. Whereas in case of shortage of purity, consumer is entitled for compensation by the jeweller.

The complaint of shortage of purity etc. can be lodged online on the mobile app BIS CARE or on the BIS websitewww.bis.gov.in.

While buying gold jewellery/ artefacts, consumers should check whether the jeweller is registered with BIS and has a certificate of registration displayed at the sale-centre.

Besides, they should also check the mandatory marks on the ornament by using magnifying glass which remains available at the sale-centre. Ask for the bill carrying net weight, cost, purity in carat/ fineness and mention of hallmarking.