Consumer activists protest "govt apathy"

The government organised a meeting on March 12 — a working day — with select consumer organisations to discuss consumer issues. The presiding officers — who function as judges in consumer courts — and members of consumer fora had to attend the meeting. Due to this, the courts remained closed that day, Gai observed, adding it was improper for the government to do so when more than 6,000 cases are pending in consumer courts.

Bindhumadhav Joshi, who is chairman of the high-powered committee for consumer protection, visited the Dadar forum more than a month ago andpromised that various amenities, including a dais, would be provided.

“We are still waiting for them. Now, they’re thinking of shifting the consumer forum to Malvani, which is about 10-15 kms from Dadar,” Gai pointed out.

Even after the Supreme Court judgement on a case filed by consumer activist H D Shourie, which said every district should have a consumer court, the states have turned a blind eye to it. The planning commission has already sanctioned the additional amount in this regard.

Meanwhile, a federation of 238 organisations in 106 countries, Consumers International, has chosen the theme of `poverty’ for this year’s World Consumer Rights day. In Vietnam, for example, a television seminar on appropriate consumption practices will be held. Consumer groups in India and Nepal will conduct public meetings and photo exhibits on poverty issues.

The World Consumer’s Day commemorates eight basic rights of consumers: the right to basic goods and services, safety, information, representation,redress, consumer education and a healthy environment.