Your Dream Home - Real Estate

A Consumer has very little knowledge of real estate business whether in the public sector or private sector, so, they are victimized due to their lack of knowledge. These are some important points to be checked before finalizing any deal:

• When buying property from existing owner, check clear title of deed, certificate of non-incumbency i.e. free from any dispute, all dues including municipal taxes, electricity, water etc paid.
•  Do extensive survey about the market rates and negotiate.
• Ascertain and Conform the target competition date.
• Ascertain the date of possession when the property when the property will be handled over to the buyer.
• When buying property from the developer/builder check carpet area, built up area and super built up area, payment terms, possession schedule, penalty clause etc.
• Check if any loans are offered by banks for the property.
• Study complete technical specifications of the design, material and other promised amenities.
• Ensure that the design offered is earthquake resistant, floods and other natural calamities. 
• Verify whether the concerned realtor has obtained certificate of C.L.U. from the competent authority.
• The consumer should ensure that he get proper receipts for full or pat payments made to the realtor, apart from obtaining a written agreement from him. This written agreement will shield him at all times against exploitation by the realtor.
• Charging of more money than agreed.
• Delayed in handling over possession even after making full and final payments.
• Wrong measurements and usage of sub-standard materials.
• Consumer can file his case in Dist. Consumer Forum within two years of the purchase. If there is delay due to valid reasons, the consumer may file a “Delay Condone” request to the forum.
• The consumer may also file a request to the consumer forum for the hearing or decision in case he feels that the same is getting for any reasons.
• In normal cases the forum gives decision within 3 months from the date of notice and in technical cases they will take five month from the date of notice. The forum consumer can file for execution of the judgment, after the expiry of time stipulated.

The committee constituted by Ministry Of Urban Development has already recommended Government of India to consider setting up of Regulatory Authority in the Real Estate.

NATIONAL CONSUMER HELPLINE

 Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-4000 (MTNL / BSNL)

011-27662955-58 (Other Service Provider, Normal Call Charges Applicable)

Insurance: Make it a policy to know your policy

"Insurance" is the payment of a small predictable amount of money to protect against a larger unpredictable expense. The insurance Sector in India has come a full circle from being an open competitive market to nationalization and back to a liberalized market again.

To cater to different needs of a consumer, various types of insurance policies have been devised. They are primarily divided into :

●Life Insurance:

·         Term policy

·         Endowment policy

·         ULIP policy And many more

                

●General Insurance:

·         Motor Vehicle

·         Mediclaim

●  House insurance

●  Office furniture and equipments And many more

National consumer helpline issued some important advisories for consumers which need to follows to become a smart insurer. These are:

• Seek complete details of the policy from the agent before signing any proposal form. No blank form should be signed.
• Read carefully all terminology and terms and condition of the policy. You have the right to get it cancelled within 30 days of receipt of the policy in case of any unfavorable terms.
• Maintain carefully all the receipts issued by the insurance company.
• Pay the premium regularly and surrender your policy on time, Pay your premium at least for three years to avoid forfeiture of the policy. 
• Keep your spouse or nominee well informed about the policies taken and the procedure of filing the claim.
• Submit all required documents to the insurance company in case of any claim.
• Delay in change of address in case of existing policy.
• Delayed payment on “money back policy”.
• Match the term to your needs. Make sure your dependents are covered until they can provide for themselves, or that your spouse is covered until retirement income becomes available.
• Buy when you are healthy, and try to match your terms to when you will still be healthy. When you get into your 50s and 60s, it may be harder to find affordable term life insurance.
• Don't lie on your policy; as life insurance companies will investigate before paying. If you do not admit to a habit, behavior or health risk on your application, your beneficiaries may not receive the money after you pass away. That is the whole point of your life insurance policy, to leave money for those left behind, and it would be a shame if they didn't receive what you had paid for because you were not truthful on your application.
• Complaints could be got redressed through your Insurance Company, Insurance Ombudsman, IRDA.
  
  Competition amongst Insurance companies has resulted into many complaints from the consumers also. To redress these complaints Insurance Regulatory Development Authority which is the statutory authority has been exercising its powers to rein in the erring company. Keeping this in mind, an Insurance Ombudsman has also been instituted.
    
   
  NATIONAL CONSUMER HELP LINE
  
  
  
   
   Toll-Free Number:  1800-11-4000(MTNL/BSNL)
  011-27662955-58 (Other Service Providers,Normal Call Charges Applicable)

Guidelines to make you a happy Banking customer

Bank plays an important role in promoting economic development of the country. In this complex world, banking has become an integral part in the life of every human being. It’s very hard to manage your funds without a bank account.

National consumer helpline has issued some important advisories for consumers which should be followed for a safe and secure banking experience.

• Do not hand over your Debit/credit /ATM card to anybody, even a bank officer.

• Be vigilant while your card is being swiped because its details can be downloaded on a computer during the process.

• Do not reveal your card number on unsecured websites.

• Always check the record of your transactions and check the account statements regularly. Instead of “Periodically check your accounts”

• When canceling a card, ensure the magnetic strip is destroyed/ damaged.

• Check the credibility of your bank agent.

• Signature is the only proof of card ownership; the shop/mall staff can spot a stolen or cloned card.

Never reply to e-mails asking for your password or PIN.

Count the number of cheque leaves whenever you receive a new cheque book.

• If your card application is rejected, you have the right to ask for the reason thereof from the issuing bank in writing. You should also ensure that the documents submitted by you are returned back.

• Cards are not repairable. Beware of Agents who promise to get it repaired and dupe consumers.

• Pay for credit card bills only through account payee cheques in favour of credit card issuer mentioning credit card no. Do not pay cash.

• Write your name/address on the reverse side of the cheque.

•  Merchant Establishments are not permitted to pass on the Merchant’s transaction fee to the cardholder as a”Service Charge”. Service Fee” or”Surcharge”.

• The most important thing to remember is to never ever give out your online banking user ID and password to anyone. Even if a bank employee asks for it you must never do so.

• Do not use online banking in internet cafés, libraries and other public premises to avoid your account number and password from being stolen by video or the monitoring of your keyboard strokes. Always use your personal computer for executing online banking services.

                   

NATIONAL CONSUMER HELPLINE

                        TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 1800-11-400 (MTNL / BSNL)

                        011-27662955-58( Other Service Provider, Normal call Charges Applicable)

Be a Smart Telecom Subscriber

 India is the second-biggest market for wireless services, lagging only China which has more than 600 million users but also overtaking the USA in the recent years.  The telecom subscriber’s base has increased by about 43% in the recent research.

The fast growth of Telecom industry also has its impact on increase in the number of complains.
National Consumer Helpline issued some important advisories for consumers which need to follow to become a smart telecom subscriber. These are:

• Study and compare tariff plans by different service providers. Also compare plans by one service provider. Subscribe to the plan most suiting to your usage requirement.
• Value added service cannot be activated without your explicit consent.
• If your telephone remains dead for more than 3 working days, the rental rebate for 7 days is to be allowed automatically by the service provider. Log a complaint if rebate is not given.
• Network coverage and call drops.
• Non-refund of security amount.
• The connection is to be disconnected within 24 hrs of receipt of your request and the security amount is to be refunded by the service provider within 60 days failing which interest is to be paid by the Service Provider @ 10%p.a.
•  Pay all dues/bills before “pay by date” to avoid disconnection.
•  Do not keep quiet if you feel not getting proper service or being cheated, howsoever small the amount involved.
•  A new connection is required to be activated within 7 days. A abridge version of manual containing required contact details of the service should be demanded free of cost at the time of getting the connection.
•  The companies on their own cannot activate any service which is on chargeable basis.
•  Any plan subscriber by the customer is to be available for a minimum period of six months or till the validity of the plan. The customer can change plan at any time of the choice.
•  In case, you do not wish to get disturb from unsolicited communication, please register your details with Do Not Cal Registry of your service provider.

•  In case of logging any complaint against your company, please do not forget to ask for the unique complaint number as the same is mandatory for companies to provide.
•  The hierarchy of the complaint handling system in telecom has been structured as, i)24*7 Toll free Call centre, ii) Nodal Officer and iii)Appellate Authorities.

Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India has been proactively and relentlessly working towards the issues of consumer concern and also growth of telecom industry. 

NATIONAL CONSUMER HELPLINE

Toll-free Number: 1800-11-4000 (MTNL/BSNL)

011-27662955-58 (Other Service Provider, Normal Call Applicable)

Which course to pursue after school? Confused?

Exams are over !  Student and Parents want the better institute for their wards higher education. It’ is confusing for both parents and students, The mind is stagnant with common queries like what do I want to be?, where do I  take admission? What will be the cut off list? Will I get admission in the  college of  my choice? and many more…

When you endeavor for higher education after school, there are some basic factors that should be borne in mind in choosing an educational institution that will give the best to you amongst the rest.

Choice of a career training course Institute requires serious considerations. Wrong choice can cost you dear in the long run. National Consumer Helpline has listed few points to keep in mind while choosing an institute as it is crucial decision of your life. It includes:

●There are several schools in the market that are offering several courses but they are not registered. So, while choosing the right institute you may also consider the prospects of advanced courses in the institute.

• Choose an institution  after proper verification of  past records.
• Always prefer registered and govt. sponsored institution. It should be affiliated to a university or be accredited to one.
• In the case of private institutions, collect the details of management team and their responsibilities.
• Performance of the center.
• Library, Reference Material, Reading Section.
• Records, History, Ranking, Alumni.
• Understand the fee details clearly, before making payment.
• Always insist on receipts for all payments.
• Make payment in installments.
• Collect information on settlement of disputes/cases.
• The course structure should be designed in a way that practicals are  an integral and compulsory part of the curriculum.
• The institute should update its syllabus on regular basis.
• The institute should hold placements based on seminars, talks, training programs, fairs, and workshops that enhance the students skills.
• The institute should have an extra curriculum department as it gives one the opportunity to develop one self in soft skills and inculcate a team player attitude.

Parents play a crucial role in choosing the best institute for their child. Parents have to be careful while choosing an institute as it is a crucial decision that shapes your child’s future in a decisive way.

All parents are advised to analyze and discuss the interest of their child while deciding on higher education. They should not compel their decision on their children; it could lead to harmful results. They are the best teacher or learner for their children so, the responsibility of parents are more.