New Delhi, Oct. 28 -- In a first, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has written to district collectors and magistrates across all states and Union Territories, asking them to ensure compliance with guidelines against misleading advertisements by coaching institutes, conduct inspection drives and direct students' grievances to the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), two government officials said.

The move aims to nip such practices in the bud at the district level, as coaching institutes are increasingly expanding their presence by setting up centres in small towns to attract aspirants, including those who cannot afford to move to metropolitan cities for coaching.

The move is significant as India has around 800 districts, an...