Hyderabad: A district consumer forum has directed an overseas education consulta-ncy firm to pay 1 lakh each to two consumers, as the consultancy had failed to apply for postgraduate admission at Canadian universities before the deadline. The students were awarded compensati-on along with a refund of 44,841 with 12% interest and 5,000 towards cost of complaint.Rohan B, one of the complainants, submitted that he approached Study Ideas in Jubilee Hills, to either pursue a Master’s course or post-graduate diploma in Canada.After the initial consultation, Rohan said that he hired ‘basic services’ from the consultancy by paying 2,400. After profile evaluation, the consultancy issued a report stating that it would take two months to secure admission. Hence, Rohan paid 42,441 and purchased a ‘standard pack,’ which includes assistance for admission, visa documentation, within 31 days.On Nov 21, 2022, Rohan gave consent to apply to two universities and asked his case officer not to delay the submission as colleges might soon close the process, but the consultancy failed to do so. He claimed his first admission application was filed on Dec 29, that too after he expressed his disappointment over the services provided.He added that on Jan 31, he requested a refund of the fee as the firm failed to provide any service. Though he was promised a refund in 90 days, Rohan said his money was not returned. He lodged a complaint. A similar complaint was filed by Claudia Jennifer Katary. During trials, the district consumer disputes redressal commission-III, Hyderabad said that when the opposite party failed to secure admission, it must refund the sum collected from complainants with interest and pay compensation for wasting a precious academic year.
