National Consumer Helpline facilitates refunds of over ₹105 crore to consumers in 15 months
The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) facilitated refunds exceeding ₹105 crore to consumers across 35 sectors by resolving 1,66,189 refund-related grievances between 25 April 2025 and 31 July 2026. Operating at the pre-litigation stage, the platform provided timely relief without requiring consumers to approach Consumer Commissions, with the e-commerce sector recording the largest share of complaints and refunds.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exams regarding government welfare initiatives, consumer protection mechanisms, and digital governance updates in India.
In Simple Words
The National Consumer Helpline (NCH), run by the Department of Consumer Affairs, helps consumers resolve complaints without going to court. Between April 2025 and July 2026, it successfully helped people get back over ₹105 crore across 35 different sectors by handling nearly 1.66 lakh refund grievances.
Online shopping (e-commerce) had the most complaints, resulting in over ₹74 crore in refunds, followed by the travel and tourism sector. The NCH operates in 17 languages through multiple channels like a toll-free number, WhatsApp, and apps, making it accessible to people across metropolitan cities and remote regions alike.
Key Points
- NCH facilitated refunds of over ₹105 crore to consumers across 35 sectors.
- The period covered is 25 April 2025 to 31 July 2026.
- 1,66,189 refund-related grievances were addressed at the pre-litigation stage.
- E-commerce accounted for 1,00,466 complaints resulting in over ₹74 crore in refunds.
- Travel Tourism sector recorded refunds exceeding ₹10 crore.
- NCH operates through a convergence-based digital mechanism in 17 languages.
- Contact channels include toll-free number 1915, WhatsApp/SMS 8800001915, and the INGRAM Portal.
- Grievances were resolved from both metropolitan cities and remote regions.
Exam Angle
𝕏 Official Update
A. 1915
Source: Press Information Bureau