NEW DELHI: The consumer affairs ministry will soon hold a meeting with edutech firms such as Byju’s and Unacademy amid complaints of these platforms putting extra study pressure on children and parents as well. Earlier, the ministry had held meetings with online cab aggregators and restaurant owners on other consumer protection issues.
Responding to a question on what action the government is taking against advertisements by edutech companies, especially Byju’s new ad “two teacher advantage” that is putting pressure on children, Union consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said, “We are conscious of this. Next week, the whole group is here. We are very wary about this issue and it’s not right. That’s why we have stepped in… We need to protect the young consumers, teenagers who want to get into reputed institutes for higher education such as IITs and JNU, and even civil service aspirants.”
Singh said they will hold consultations with the company representatives and come up with a framework to see that there is no exaggeration. He added that the consumers must lodge their complaints with the National Consumer Helpline by dialling 1915 with valid documents or proof, so that the government can initiate action.
On action taken to stop fake reviews on e-commerce companies, the secretary said a committee has been set up for framing guidelines to prevent fake reviews and they will be out in the next 60 days.
“The committee will have representatives of e-tailers like Amazon, Reliance, consumer organisations and law firms,” Singh said.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
FacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE
