Tryst With Rajasthan Shilp Gramodyog

This gem of an experience dates back around 2004-05 when I visited city of Jaipur for a leisure trip. I visited many places in this pink city which is one of the hottest tourist spots in India. The Jaigarh Fort located at the hill-top besides the city is one of the main attractions and I too got attracted towards it and decided to pay a visit there.

After having seen the fort, just before the exit gate there was this handloom showroom bearing the name "Rajasthan Shilp Gramodyog" supposedly a government approved shop. I went around the shop and saw a few things there though I did not have any intention to purchase one. Somehow this silver looking tray-glass set caught my eyes with nice designs drawn over it and I casually enquired about it to one of the salesperson manning the counter. I saw his eyes lit up (there were more than 5 sales persons and I was the sole customer in the showroom) and he started telling me about the item.

"Sir, this is a very nice piece of rare art. You won't find it anywhere else in the world."

I paused for a moment and just for the sake of continuing the discussion, I said, "But what's it made of? Is it durable enough and good to use?"

"Definitely Sir!". He continued further, "It is made of tri-metals - nickle, chromium and silver - and totally non-toxic. You can use it for serving tea, water or any other bewerages."

"How long will it retain its shine?" I asked sarcastically.

"It will remain so forever. We will give you 10 years guarantee and you can get the 75% refund anytime." came the reply with tons of assurance.

"How much's the price?" I asked with the thought that why not to buy this... its a good looking item with cool artistic craft.

"It's only Rs. 1500 and we will give you 10% discount."

"Ok. Let's pack it up." I finally decided to buy it. I paid Rs. 1350 for that and got the stamp of "10 years' 75% refund guarantee" on the bill.

I came back to Delhi and got busy with usual chorus. After around a month or so, while looking at a vacant place in my showcase, I recalled the set of tray and 4 glasses. I immediately got the packet from closet and opened it.

And sure enough... I was stunned!

There were no silver-like glittering tray and glasses. All I had in my lap were dark, rusty, rough metal objects. You can gauge the level of anger and frustration I went through but I had no way out. I was in Delhi, the item was bought from a shop located at hill-top besides city of Jaipur - approx. 300 kms. away from Delhi.

I contacted the shop at the phone no. given on the bill, had to spoke few times with them and finally got the promise of refund. Few months later, I happened to visit Jaipur again and I squeezed half day from my hectic shedule and went to the same shop carrying the garbage in my hand hoping to get the refund.

Alas! All I got was an offer to get the 75% refund. It may not look bad but if you think what the hell should he get Rs. 350 for? For few rusted iron pieces which were not even worth a penny, leave alone my expenses I had to make just to return the item.

This was a disgusting experience but it did loads of good to me. It forced me into touch with consumer rights, consumer protection law and consumer forums that were there in our system for quite some time. I should say it was the starting point of my journey of awareness.

I filed a complaint with Jaipur district consumer forum remotely by post. Later on, I got a local lawyer of my acquiantance to handle the court hearing. The Opposite Party made my job easier by not responding to court notices and I got the full refund of Rs. 1350 plus Rs. 2000 towards mental agony and legal expenses within 6 months.

And how can I forget to mention that I got the full refund by money-order even before the court decided on my complaint.

It was my first victory as a consumer and tasted very sweet.