Consumer forums have no authority over educational institutions, says NCDRC

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), the top consumer commission, has stated that educational institutions excluding coaching institutes won’t be covered under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. This is inclusive of organisations providing vocational courses too. Even if there is any flaw in the services provided by such institutes, the forum won’t have a say in the matter.  

This statement made headlines when some students filed a batch of petitions against different universities, colleges, and educational institutes. The commission dismissed the plea filed by those students. Moreover, the commission also stated that extra co-curricular activities, swimming, sport, excursion tours, and picnics offered by such educational institutes will also not be covered under provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. However, the forum made it clear that any discrepancy in the services of coaching centres will fall within its authority as they cannot be likened with regular schools or colleges.

For the last many years, it has been found that many fraudulent educational organisations have mushroomed. Without any prior information, many students and parents fall prey to these fake universities or colleges. This is one of the most vital decisions in recent times as the future of many students depend on this decision. Now, it is to be seen how students would react. There certainly has to be an answerable authority where students could seek help or justice for them.

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