Pune: With no 24X7 toll-free number for consumer complaints, the district supply officer (DSO) has asked consumers to write to the DSO office about their complaints and has assured that the complaints will be addressed. 

Recently, State Consumer Welfare Advisory Committee (SCWAC) President Arun Deshpande said a person cannot be stopped from carrying food material and water inside malls and cinema halls. As per Deshpande this was a common complaint of many people and so the president decided to take action against such errant cinema halls and shopping malls. 

Speaking on the issue of non-availability of 24X7 toll-free number for consumer complaints, DSO Dinesh Bhaledar said people can write their complaint to the DSO office and they will surely take action. "If cinema halls and shopping malls are not allowing people to carry food and water we can take action against them. There is no law that people cannot carry food and water inside the shopping malls and cinema halls. We can cancel the licence of the establishment. Similarly, owners of such errant establishments can be booked under different sections of the law. We have the right to cancel their tax benefits and so such establishments cannot bar people from carrying food and water inside malls and cinema halls," added Bhaledar. 

The DSO said many such establishments have limited food options and so consumers are forced to buy things which are available. "People can certainly carry snacks and things they like at such places. Only they should take care not to litter the premises of such establishments," added Bhaledar. 

Suryakant Pathak, who fights for consumer rights, said there is no number available for 24X7 consumer complaints. "The current toll-free number does not entertain calls after 5 pm. It is the responsibility of Minister for Consumer Protection Girish Bapat and SCWAC President Arun Deshpande to provide a 24X7 toll-free number for consumer complaints," added Pathak. 

Numbers for consumer complaints 
- For food and drugs-related issue (chemists, hotels,) 
- For issues like hygiene, overcharging and others can be highlighted on 1800222365. 
- For ration card, ration issues, civil supplies: 1800224950. 
- For other consumer-related issues: 1800222262.