Aptech asked to refund full fees, pay Rs 50,000 compensation

A consumer forum here has ordered computer training institute Aptech Ltd to refund the entire tuition fees of two students and also pay Rs 50,000 each compensation to them for deficient services.
Thane District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum president Umesh Jhawalikar and member N D Kadam in their order passed yesterday noted that despite the summons issued, Aptech company remained absent from the hearing and failed to make its submissions. Thus, the matter was being decided ex-parte.
Complainants Ramakant N Mahabale and Robinson Selvaraj had in their complaint stated that in 2007, they had taken admission for the six month 'Oracle-DBA Track' course which had good employment potential, and made payment of Rs 25,927 and Rs 31,518 respectively.

Despite making the payment for the course fee and as assured at the time of admission and as stated in the prospectus, the institute did not give them the requisite training, the complaint said.
They also said that as the software Oracle was not installed in all computers of the institute, they were deprived of its use.
The institute also failed to provide coaching by subject-matter experts during the classes and the portion was also not covered as per the syllabus due to which they suffered, according to the complaint.

Hence, the complainants said the institute was deficient in its services and sought a total compensation of Rs 1.80 lakh each which included Rs one lakh for not getting employment, Rs 50,000 towards mental sufferings and Rs 15,000 each towards legal and complaint expenses.

The forum awarded the refund of the total fees paid and also Rs 50,000 each towards compensation.
In its order, the forum stated that the amount should be paid within a period of one month, failing which a nine per cent interest per annum will be payable till the amount is realised.