The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on February 16, 2024, seeks public comments on the Draft Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in the Coaching Sector.
The draft guidelines define “Coaching” as tuition, instructions or academic support learning programme or guidance provided by any person. Under the Guidelines, conditions for misleading advertisements have been laid out. Any person who engages in coaching shall be considered to be engaging in a misleading advertisement if it employs any of the following practices –
•Conceal important information related to the name of the course (whether free or paid) & duration of the course opted by the successful candidate or any other important information that can influence a consumer's decision to choose their services.
•Make false claims regarding success rates, number of selections, or rankings of students in any competitive exam without providing verifiable evidence.
•Falsely represent that students' success is solely attributable to the coaching, without acknowledging the individual efforts of the students. Clearly state the extent of the coaching involvement in their success.
•Create a false sense of urgency or fear of missing out that may heighten anxieties amongst students, or parents.
•Any other practices that may mislead consumers or subvert consumer autonomy and choice.
The objective of the Guidelines is to protect consumers from misleading advertisements in the coaching sector. Thus, the proposed Guidelines seek to prevent such misleading advertisements that affect consumers as a class. Misleading advertisement by the coaching sector will be governed as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the proposed guidelines will bring clarity to the stakeholders and protect consumer interests.
Draft Guidelines to prevent false claims regarding success rates, number of selections etc. by every person engaged in coaching.
The Authority solicits public comments and suggestions on Guidelines within 30 days till March 16, 2024.
[Notification No.CCPA-1/2/2023-CCPA]
