ZIRO, Sep 27: Against the backdrop of the Ziro Festival of Music, the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, Lower Subansiri District, in collaboration with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, New Delhi, and the District Administration Lower Subansiri, organized a "Consumer Awareness Workshop" at the All Hija Youth Association Hall in Hija, Ziro, on September 26, 2026.

The workshop brought together key government dignitaries, including Anupam Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs (MoCA, GoI); Mitali Namchoom, IAS, Director, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, Department of Consumer Affairs, MoCA, GoI); and MigeKamki, IAS, Secretary, Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Senior officers from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Test House (NTH), and the Department HQ Office in Naharlagun also attended the event.

While deliberating on key consumer issues, Anupam Mishra spoke at length regarding Legal Metrology regulations, mandatory product declarations under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, and the step-by-step procedures for seeking grievance redressal through Consumer District Commissions. He further highlighted the availability of immediate assistance through the National Consumer Helpline via the toll-free number 1915.

Elaborating on public safety and quality standards, Mitali Namchoom, IAS, emphasized the importance of adhering to BIS regulations in daily life. She advised the general public to insist on buying products with genuine ISI marks—ranging from helmets, steel, cement, and electrical appliances to consumable food items—and to ensure gold purchases are hallmarked. She also encouraged attendees to download and use the official BIS CARE App to easily check product authenticity.

The dynamic awareness drive saw an turnout of approximately 250 individuals, including village GaonBurahs, students from St. Claret College and Midland Education Centre School, Self-Help Groups, Anganwadi workers and helpers, local NGOs, and members of the public. The session commenced with a welcome address by H.H. Atung, Deputy Controller, LM & CA (West Zone), and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Pura Rissang, Inspector, LM & CA, Ziro. (DIPRO)