The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said that it has been informed that Byju’s is allegedly buying phone numbers of children and their parents which it is using to threaten them that their future will be ruined if they don’t buy their courses.
Predatory practices
NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo ssid that the company targets first-generation learners.
They will initiate action and if required, will make a report and write to the government.
The commission had earlier summoned Byju’s CEO Byju Raveendran to appear in person on December 23 over alleged malpractice of hard selling and misselling of its courses.
Harassment, threats, deception
It had taken action based on a news report that the sales team was indulging in malpractices to lure parents to buy their courses.
The news report also mentioned that some customers claimed they were exploited and deceived, and had put their savings and futures in jeopardy.
NCPCR added that the news report further alleged that the edtech company had been actively tricking customers to enter into loan-based agreements for courses which may not be refunded even if the customers asked.
Powers held by the Commission
It said in a statement, “Under Section 14 of CPCR Act,2005, the Commission has all the powers of a Civil Court trying a suit under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 and particular, in respect of the following matters-
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) discovery and production of any document;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office; and
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.”
