Department of Commerce, Faculty of Commerce and Business Studies, MRIIRS in association with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, organized a Consumer Outreach Programme for the students recently. The programme was inaugurated by Sh. S.T. Abbas, Advisor, TRAI; Sh. S.M.K. Chandra, Joint Advisor, TRAI; Sh. Man Mohan Vyas, Deputy Advisor, TRAI; Sh. Sushil Kumar Bansal, Section Officer, TRAI; Dr. Monika Goel, Director FCBS; Dr. Jayender Verma, Head, Department of Commerce, FCBS; Mr. Sushil Kumar Pasricha, Head, Department of Business Studies; Ms. Ratika Agarwal, Coordinator; Mr. Arun Vashishth, and Dr. Priyanka Srivastava. The members of the Consumer Advocacy Group and representatives of various Telecom Service Providers and other faculty members from the Department of Commerce were also present.

In her welcome address, Dr. Monika Goel emphasized on how student community being one of the largest consumer groups of telecom services, would get aware of their rights as telecom and broadcasting consumer through this programme.

Sh. H.T. Abbas threw light on the role of TRAI as a regulator for telecommunication and broadcasting services in the country. He informed the audience about the website of TRAI and how it helps the consumer in putting up queries and complaints related to telecom services.

Sh. S.M.K. Chandra and Sh. Man Mohan Vyas enlightened the audience with the recent developments and initiatives taken by TRAI with respect to the interests of consumers. Mr. Chandra informed the increased usage of mobile phones amongst the young generation, data tariffs in India, operations of TRAI and the recommendations to the government by them. He also stated that the TRAI stipulates the benchmark for telecom services. Mr. Vyas spoke about TRAI’s constant endeavor to create and nurture conditions of growth of telecommunication and broadcasting services in the country by providing a fair and transparent policy environment and to safeguard consumer interests by regulating various consumer-centric issues like a tariff, quality of service, portability, redressal of consumer grievances, etc.

The platform also provided an opportunity for the students to interact with TRAI’s senior officials on various issues relating to telecom services. Vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Ratika Agarwal, coordinator of this event. The programme concluded with certificate distribution.