The Grand Finale of The Consumer Quiz 2025 held at Namchi District.

The programme was organised by Legal Metrology Unit & Consumer Protection Cell, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Sikkim.

The programme was graced by MLA- 11 Namchi Singhithang, Mr Satish Chandra Rai, who served as the Chief Guest.

He expressed his gratitude to the Food & Civil Supplies Department and the Legal Metrology Unit & Consumer Protection Cell for organising an informative programme for the youth. He stated that every individual is a consumer, as one purchases, uses, or benefits from goods and services.

He further urged everyone to check the manufacturing and expiry dates, and to always ask for a receipt while buying or availing of any goods and services, as it is the responsibility of every consumer.

Highlighting the importance of consumer rights, he advised the gathering to remain aware and informed, as every individual holds valid rights as a consumer.

Lastly, he remarked, “One needs to have the passion to learn new things and the courage to question,” he encouraged everyone to make the best use of the competition and awareness event.

Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Department Mr Anil Raj Rai, briefed the gathering on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which safeguards the rights of consumers and is applicable across India.

He emphasised that the Act exists to protect consumer rights and it is the responsibility of every individual as a consumer, to be aware of and uphold these rights.

He urged everyone to be mindful of their consumer rights and to ensure fair pricing, also stressed that checking the manufacturing date on products is one of the simplest ways to safeguard health, and reminded that requesting a bill is the rightful claim of every consumer.

Additionally he highlighted a quote: ‘Awake, consumer, awake! Recognize your rights and protect yourself.’

Chief Learning Officer, Mr Dewakar Basnet, highlighted the significance of the cash memo, explaining that it serves as an essential record of cash sales, crucial for accounting, tax compliance, and inventory tracking.

He also briefed on the importance of hallmarking, which certifies that precious metals such as gold and silver meet prescribed purity standards, thereby assuring consumers of the exact percentage of pure metal in an item.

Further, he informed that the finalists of the quiz competition represented diverse academic backgrounds, including Arts, Science, and Medical college students, making the event more inclusive and enriching.

The state level inter college quiz competition was initially conducted online across the state, with participation from 27 colleges and universities. From which six institutions qualified for the grand finale:

i) National Institute of Technology, Ravangla

ii) Sikkim University

iii) Nar Bahadur Bhandari Govt. College, Gangtok

iv) Sikkim Manipal University

v) Harkamaya College of Education

vi) Medhavi Skills University

In the finale, Sikkim University emerged as the Champion of 2025, while Harkamaya College of Education secured the 1st Runner-up position, and Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Gangtok, stood as the 2nd Runner-up.

As part of the consumer awareness initiative, the programme also shared the National Consumer Helpline number – 1915, encouraging the public to reach out for assistance and grievance redressal related to consumer rights.

Also present during were JD Food & Civil Supplies Department Mr Titus Basnet, Additional Controller LMU & Food & Civil Department Mr L B Pradhan, DCSO Namchi Mr Tenzing Bhutia, Principal of Namchi Public School Mr Francis Banerjee, Learning officer Mr Deepak Tamang from 24 hours inspired, participators from six universities and colleges, along with the students, teachers & faculty members from various schools and colleges around Namchi District.