By Bhamy V. Shenoy

World Consumer Rights Day, observed on or around Mar.15, presents an opportunity to raise awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities.

This year’s theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” may sound complex or even abstract to many. Even for those who understand it, implementation remains a challenge. However, if we fail to take collective action at the policy level, the consequences could be severe.

Despite these challenges, celebrating Consumer Rights Day reminds us of the fundamental principle that “The Consumer is the King.” In the private sector, this means businesses must respect consumers. In the public sector and Government offices, it reinforces that citizens are the masters and should not accept being treated as subordinates.

To illustrate the importance of consumer awareness, consider two real-world examples:

Food adulteration: Recent reports of ‘plastic idlis’ and chemically enhanced watermelons highlight the dangers of food contamination. Many of the foods we consume are adulterated, often leading to long-term health risks like cancer. A strong consumer movement can educate the public about these hazards and help them make informed choices.

Travel scams: With more people travelling — especially to events like the Kumbh Mela — unsuspecting consumers have been duped by fraudulent tour operators. Some pay hefty amounts for premium packages only to have trips cancelled at the last minute with no refunds.

Others receive subpar services, from poor-quality hotels to incomplete itineraries. A proactive consumer movement ensures that those affected can seek redress through Consumer Forums, which provide free and efficient resolution without expensive legal fees.

Moving beyond speeches

To make Consumer Rights Day celebrations impactful, schools should move beyond the conventional approach of inviting activists for speeches. Instead, teachers and students should design engaging activities to promote the twin objectives of the consumer movement: “The Consumer is the King” and “We Are Masters, Not Servants.”

We encourage schools to study the attached primer and plan interactive initiatives that make consumer awareness both educational and practical.

These schools and colleges have been contacted, urging them to celebrate the occasion in a meaningful way: Ananthageetha Vidyalaya, Maharani’s Arts and Commerce College for Women, Mysore West Lions Sevaniketan School, Excel Public School, Vijaya Vittala Vidyashala, Government First Grade College, Siddarthanagar, Kautilya Vidyalaya and Learners PU College. Let’s make this Consumer Rights Day a turning point in building a well-informed and empowered society.