The National Consumer Helpline (NCH), run by the Department of Consumer Affairs, helped consumers get back over ₹105 crore across 35 sectors by resolving 1,66,189 refund-related complaints between 25 April 2025 and 31 July 2026.

How it worked

These refunds were arranged before any legal action was needed, so people could get quick relief without going to Consumer Commissions. The NCH has become a one-stop platform for consumers across India to file complaints and get them resolved.

Sector-wise breakdown

• E-commerce saw the highest number of refund complaints: 1,00,466 cases, leading to refunds of more than ₹74 crore.
• Travel & Tourism came next, with refunds totalling over ₹10 crore.
• Between May 2026 and July 2026, e-commerce refunds ranged from ₹1 to ₹35,83,790, covering complaints of different types and values.

Key figures at a glance

• ₹105 crore+ in refunds facilitated
• 1,66,189 refund-related grievances addressed
• 35 sectors covered
• 1,00,466 e-commerce refund complaints resolved
• ₹74 crore+ refunded in e-commerce
• ₹10 crore+ refunded in Travel & Tourism
• Refund range in e-commerce (May–July 2026): ₹1 to ₹35,83,790

How NCH operates

The NCH uses a convergence-based system: consumer complaints are sent digitally to the relevant companies, which must resolve them within set timelines. The process is continuously monitored, and consumer feedback is tracked.

Complaints have come from both big cities and remote areas, showing that the NCH works as a pan-India grievance redressal mechanism.

Sample cases resolved through NCH

• Bengaluru Urban – Delayed mobile delivery: A consumer who ordered a phone worth ₹47,490 (delivery due on 22 August 2026) faced repeated delays. After NCH stepped in, the e-commerce platform issued a full refund of ₹47,490.
• NTR District, Andhra Pradesh – Wrong product: A buyer received a USB 3.1 enclosure instead of the ordered 2.5-inch Hard Drive Enclosure (USB-C 3.0 to Type-C), which did not work with their device. After filing with NCH, the platform processed a refund.
• Udalguri, Assam – Two-wheeler booking refund: After cancelling a two-wheeler booking, a consumer did not receive the ₹5,000 booking amount refund on time. They approached NCH on 21 May 2026; the dealer then refunded the amount and confirmed credit to the consumer’s account.
• Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir – Wrong and substandard product: A consumer who bought sports shoes worth ₹3,072 received a different, lower-quality brand. After repeated rejection of the return request, they filed with NCH on 29 June 2026. The platform then processed a refund.

Ways to reach NCH

The National Consumer Helpline supports grievance redressal in 17 languages through multiple channels:

• Toll-free number: 1915
• WhatsApp/SMS: 8800001915
• INGRAM Portal
• Email: nch-ca[at]gov[dot]in
• NCH Mobile App
• Web Portal
• UMANG App

The fact that more than ₹105 crore in refunds was facilitated between 25 April 2025 and 31 July 2026 underlines the NCH’s role in delivering accessible, time-bound consumer grievance resolution before litigation.

Reference: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

Disclaimer:
This article has been prepared after researching information from trusted and reputable sources available on the internet. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, the information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional, legal, financial, medical, or other specialized advice.