The Indian government is taking decisive steps to regulate misleading advertisements and fake claims by coaching institutes. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently conducted a meeting to discuss guidelines aimed at curbing deceptive practices in the coaching sector.
Committee Meeting and Urgent Need for Guidelines:
The committee, led by Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh, deliberated on draft guidelines during its first meeting. With notices issued to 31 coaching institutes and fines imposed on nine for misleading ads, there is a pressing need for clear guidelines.
Guidelines Applicability and Key Provisions:
The proposed guidelines will be applicable to all coaching institutes, whether online or physical, covering all forms of advertising. Key provisions include defining misleading advertisements, specifying do’s and don’ts before creating ads, and penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Ensuring Transparency and Consumer Protection:
With a focus on transparency, coaching institutes will need to provide essential information in advertisements, refrain from 100% success claims, and ensure the visibility of disclaimers. The penalty for violating these guidelines will be governed by existing consumer protection laws.
Conclusion:
These guidelines signify a significant step toward protecting consumers from misleading claims and fostering fairness in the coaching sector, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in advertising.