Patna: India’s National Consumer Helpline has facilitated refunds worth nearly Rs 52 crore in less than a year, underscoring the growing reliance on pre-litigation grievance redressal systems to resolve consumer disputes. The figures were released by the Department of Consumer Affairs, which described the achievement as a significant step towards strengthening consumer protection.
Between April 25 and January 31, the helpline ensured refunds amounting to almost Rs 52 crore, according to consumer affairs secretary Nidhi Khare. Officials said the mechanism allows consumers to resolve disputes without filing formal cases before consumer commissions, reducing procedural delays and easing the burden on quasi-judicial bodies.
In the past nine months alone, the helpline addressed 79,521 refund-related complaints across 31 sectors. The e-commerce industry accounted for the largest share, with 47,743 complaints leading to refunds exceeding Rs 36 crore. The travel and tourism sector followed, where refunds of more than Rs 4 crore were secured.
Authorities noted that complaints were received not only from metropolitan centres but also from remote and sparsely populated regions, highlighting the platform’s national reach. The government says the helpline is designed to provide swift, accessible and amicable settlements, positioning it as a key component of India’s consumer protection framework.
Khare said the department remains committed to raising consumer awareness and ensuring that grievances are addressed without unnecessary hardship. She added that strengthening accessible redressal systems would remain a priority as part of broader efforts to safeguard consumer interests across the country.
