CCPA Cracks Down on Misleading Coaching Advertisements
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a stern warning to coaching centres, urging them to comply with the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 and the newly established Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024. This directive comes in the wake of observed violations following the recent examination results for IIT-JEE and NEET, where many institutions failed to provide accurate and transparent information in their promotional materials.
Guidelines for Transparency and Accuracy
The CCPA emphasizes the importance of truthful representation in advertisements by coaching centres. According to the authority, all promotional content must be clear, accurate, and devoid of misleading claims. Institutions are specifically prohibited from guaranteeing success or making promises of placement or rank in competitive exams. Furthermore, essential details such as the student’s name, rank, course type, and payment status must be disclosed in advertisements. Disclaimers should be prominently displayed and in the same font size as other critical information to prevent consumer deception.
These guidelines aim to protect students and their families from exploitation and ensure they make informed decisions based on reliable information. The CCPA’s recent observations indicate that many coaching centres have not adhered to these standards, prompting the authority to take action against several institutions.
Notices Issued for Violations
In response to the violations, the CCPA has issued notices to various coaching institutes for several concerning practices. These include:
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- Guaranteed placement or selection promises
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- Assurances of specific ranks in JEE or NEET
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- Violations of consumer rights
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- Misleading advertisements
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- Unfair trade practices, such as failure to provide promised services, non-refund of fees after cancellations, and deficiencies in service.
These practices contravene multiple provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, including Sections 2(28) and 2(47), as well as the newly established guidelines. The CCPA is committed to enforcing these regulations to maintain fairness and transparency in the coaching sector.
CCPA’s Ongoing Efforts and Penalties
Over the past three years, the CCPA has actively worked to safeguard consumer rights within the coaching industry. The authority has taken significant measures against misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, issuing a total of 49 notices and imposing penalties amounting to ₹77.60 lakhs on 24 coaching centres. These actions are part of a broader initiative to ensure that coaching centres do not engage in deceptive practices that could mislead students and their families.
Previously, the CCPA has targeted coaching centres involved in preparing students for competitive exams such as UPSC CSE, IIT-JEE, NEET, and others. The authority’s commitment to enforcing the Consumer Protection Act underscores its dedication to fostering a fair and transparent educational environment.
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