The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) helped consumers secure more than ₹105 crore in refunds by resolving 1,66,189 refund-related complaints across 35 sectors between April 25, 2025, and July 31, 2026, the Department of Consumer Affairs said.
The refunds were facilitated at the pre-litigation stage, helping consumers obtain relief without approaching consumer commissions. The NCH has emerged as a single-contact platform for consumers across the country to file complaints and seek resolution.
The e-commerce sector recorded the highest number of refund-related complaints. A total of 1,00,466 complaints in the sector resulted in assistance for refunds worth more than ₹74 crore. The travel and tourism sector followed, with refunds exceeding ₹10 crore.
Between May and July 2026, e-commerce refunds ranged from ₹1 to ₹35,83,790, covering complaints involving different types and amounts.
The NCH operates through a coordination-based system in which consumer complaints are digitally forwarded to the concerned companies for resolution within a specified time frame. The process also includes continuous monitoring of consumer feedback and complaint status.
Refund-related complaints were received from metropolitan areas as well as remote parts of the country, highlighting the nationwide reach of the platform. The helpline provides grievance-redressal support in 17 languages through multiple channels.
The Department of Consumer Affairs said the refunds facilitated during the reported period demonstrated the NCH’s role in providing accessible and time-bound pre-litigation grievance redressal. Consumers have been encouraged to use the helpline to protect their rights and seek resolution of complaints.