National Consumer Helpline Secures Rs 520 Million in Refunds

20 Feb 2026 CW Team

NCH operates through a convergence model in which grievances are digitally forwarded to companies for resolution within defined timelines, with continuous monitoring and consumer feedback tracking. The Helpline also accepts complaints in 17 languages and provides multiple access channels including a toll-free number, a portal and a mobile application. This design aims to make redressal effective, accessible and time bound across metropolitan and remote regions.

The e-commerce sector accounted for the highest share with 47,743 complaints and refunds of more than Rs 360 mn. The travel and tourism sector followed with refunds of more than Rs 40 mn, while agency services, electronic products and general insurance together contributed to the bulk of remaining reimbursements. The top five sectors together accounted for over 85 per cent of the total refund amount, totalling about Rs 451.36 mn across 55,076 grievances.

Illustrative cases included repeatedly rescheduled e-commerce deliveries that were resolved with refunds after Helpline intervention, vehicle diagnostic disputes that led to full refunds and food delivery orders returned with incorrect or reduced items that were reimbursed following escalation. A premium paid for a policy that was never issued was also refunded after NCH action. The facilitation of these refunds reinforces the Government’s commitment to strengthening consumer trust in digital marketplaces and encourages consumers to proactively use the Helpline for timely redressal.

The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) facilitated refunds totalling Rs 520 million (mn) across 31 sectors by addressing 79,521 consumer grievances related to refund claims between 25 April and 31 January 2026. The refunds were secured at the pre-litigation stage, allowing consumers to obtain timely relief without approaching Consumer Commissions. The initiative forms a central component of consumer protection under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and serves as a single-point access platform. NCH operates through a convergence model in which grievances are digitally forwarded to companies for resolution within defined timelines, with continuous monitoring and consumer feedback tracking. The Helpline also accepts complaints in 17 languages and provides multiple access channels including a toll-free number, a portal and a mobile application. This design aims to make redressal effective, accessible and time bound across metropolitan and remote regions. The e-commerce sector accounted for the highest share with 47,743 complaints and refunds of more than Rs 360 mn. The travel and tourism sector followed with refunds of more than Rs 40 mn, while agency services, electronic products and general insurance together contributed to the bulk of remaining reimbursements. The top five sectors together accounted for over 85 per cent of the total refund amount, totalling about Rs 451.36 mn across 55,076 grievances. Illustrative cases included repeatedly rescheduled e-commerce deliveries that were resolved with refunds after Helpline intervention, vehicle diagnostic disputes that led to full refunds and food delivery orders returned with incorrect or reduced items that were reimbursed following escalation. A premium paid for a policy that was never issued was also refunded after NCH action. The facilitation of these refunds reinforces the Government’s commitment to strengthening consumer trust in digital marketplaces and encourages consumers to proactively use the Helpline for timely redressal.

Products

20 Apr 2026

OrnaMatte Brings Premium Matte Finishes to Modern Interiors

Action TESA has introduced OrnaMatte, a curated range of 38 matte finishes designed for contemporary interior surfaces. The new offering combines premium aesthetics with practical performance, reflecting the growing demand for surface solutions that balance design appeal with durability. The company said matte finishes continue to gain popularity for their understated, elegant look across modern interiors. OrnaMatte features anti-fingerprint properties, a velvety satin feel, near-zero gloss and 3H scratch resistance, making it suitable for long-term use in residential and commercial spaces. ..

Real Estate

20 Apr 2026

Vestian reports 36% drop in construction activity in Q1

Vestian reported a 36 per cent quarter-on-quarter decline in new office completions to 9.7 million sq ft in Q1 2026, marking the lowest level in the past four quarters amid the West Asia crisis.The slowdown was led by cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, where developers adopted a cautious approach. Hyderabad saw the steepest drop, with completions falling 95 per cent to 0.3 million sq ft from 6.0 million sq ft in the previous quarter.Despite constrained supply, office absorption rose 20 per cent year-on-year to 21.53 million sq ft, driven by sustained demand from global capability ..

Real Estate

20 Apr 2026

fäm Properties reports 95% sales in Dubai 2026 supply

Data from DXBinteract shows that 41,015 of 43,217 units due this year have already been sold. Across the 2026–2029 pipeline, 71.45 per cent of 426,182 units have been committed, indicating sustained absorption levels.The analysis highlights strong demand across leading developers, with several reporting near or full sell-outs. Emaar and Meraas have sold over 99 per cent of their 2026 inventory, while Dubai Holding and Meydan projects are fully sold.Commenting on the trend, Firas Al Msaddi, CEO, fam Properties, said, “Dubai continues to demonstrate a level of forward demand that is structur..