Question

Write short note on the following.
Role of NGOs in consumer protection.

Answer 1

Nowadays, consumer organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play an important role in protecting and promoting consumers’ interests. Some of the important NGOs and consumer organisations include; Consumer Coordination Council, Common Cause, Consumer Protection Council, Consumers’ Association and Mumbai Grahak Panchayat. Some of the functions performed by these organisations for consumer protection are as follows:
i. Educating consumers - NGOs and consumer organisations organise various training programmes and workshops to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities.
ii. Publishing journals - In addition to training programmes and seminars, they also spread awareness through journals and periodicals. Journals and other publications provide knowledge about consumer problems, legal remedies available and other such matters.
iii. Providing legal assistance - They also provide legal assistance and aid to the consumers and help them in seeking redressal.
iv. Testing quality of products - They carry out quality tests for various products in laboratories and publish the results. Such results help the consumers in making informed decisions.
v. Taking initiatives - They not only encourage consumers to register complaints but also take initiatives in filing cases in the general interest of the public.