CENTRE SETS NEW GUIDELINES FOR TRANSPARENT COACHING ADVERTISEMENTS

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The Centre issued guidelines to curb misleading claims by coaching institutes, enforcing transparency in success rates, infrastructure, and requiring consent for minors’ testimonials, aiming to protect consumers.

source:timelinedaily

New Guidelines for Transparency in Coaching Advertisements:

  • The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued new guidelines mandating coaching institutes to disclose accurate information regarding their students and services.
  • Secretary Nidhi Khare emphasised that coaching centres must include clear disclaimers and clarifications in advertisements, aiming to prevent parents and students from being misled.
  • The guidelines specify that coaching centres must obtain consent for using photographs and testimonials of minor candidates, and only if they have been selected.

Accountability for Claims and Success Rates

  • The guidelines require coaching centres to accurately present their services, facilities, and infrastructure without making exaggerated claims.
  • The CCPA issued warnings against promoting false or unverifiable success rates, citing that nine UPSC coaching institutes collectively claimed over 2,600 selections, while actual selections totaled around 1,000.
  • Violations will result in penalties; so far, 45 UPSC coaching institutes have been fined over ₹56 lakh, with stricter penalties or suspension possible for repeated violations.

Emphasis on Grievance Redressal and Consumer Transparency

  • Institutes are now required to establish a proactive consumer grievance redressal mechanism, with a recent intervention leading to refunds exceeding ₹1 crore from September last year to August this year.
  • The CCPA highlighted that the guidelines aim to enhance transparency, ensure truthful advertising, and provide consumers with reliable information to make informed choices about coaching services.