Context: Recently the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs has launched the E-Jagriti portal on the occasion of National Consumer Rights Day.

About e-jagrti Portal 

• e-jagrti Portal is an initiative of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

• It is a portal for consumer commissions.

• The portal has been designed to enhance the customer experience further.

• To focus on making Jagriti a “jan andolan” by spreading awareness, providing choices, efficient grievance redressal to consumers and getting continuous feedback from them.

• The minister urged the Department of Consumer Affairs to collaboratively strategise with consumer commissions in leveraging technology to eliminate old pending cases entirely and address new cases more swiftly and in real-time.

The other initiatives launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs alongside the portal include:

1. National Consumer Helpline 2.0, which is available in 17 languages.

2. Video call Facility for National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

3. Drone certification facility at National Test House (NTH).

4. New laboratories at National Test House.

National Consumer Helpline 2.0

• The Union Consumer Affairs Minister launched the National Consumer Helpline 2.0.

• At the pre-litigation level, the National Consumer Helpline 2.0 serves as an alternative dispute resolution method. 

• It is available in over 17 languages, including the newly added Maithili, Kashmiri, and Santhali.

E-Dakhil Portal

• The E-Dakhil Portal was established to make it easier to file consumer complaints online.

• It provides an easy, quick, and low-cost way for consumers to access the relevant consumer forum, eliminating the need for them to travel and be physically present to file their complaint.

• The goal is to use technology to digitise and make it easier for people to access justice.

Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns 2023

• The Union Minister applauded the Department of Consumer Affairs for releasing the "Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023" recently. 

• These guidelines outline 13 unique dark patterns.

• It also seeks to avoid and control deceptive activities to maintain a fair and transparent marketplace for customers.

National Consumer Day 

• Every year on December 24, India observes National Consumer Day with a specific theme. 

• On this day, the President signed the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. 

• The passage of this Act is seen as a watershed moment in the country's consumer movement.