Family Economics And Consumer Education 3 (2+1)

Lesson 20 : Consumer Welfare Organization

Do's And Don'ts For Activities Of Organizational Setup

1. Consumer organization should be non political
2. Organization members should set an example by practicing what they preach others.
3. The organization should assure that it has nothing against any individual. Its fight is against the consumer grievances created by sellers or institutions.
4. The organization should be willing to admit a mistake if it is found a fact.
5. Organization activities should not lead to violence
6. Consumer activities should be prepared to meet the consequences of their activities relating to the consumer organization.
7. Goals and objectives of the consumer organization should be practical and realistic

Strategies And Tactics Of The Consumer Organization
Consumer organization should follow some strategies and tactics to become viable and effective.
The following strategies and tact is should be noted in this context

1. The emphasis of the organization should be on consumer education. Consumer education should remove consumer apathy, fear and inability to develop a fighting spirit.
2. The organization should create an image of a fair, principle and credible movement in the minds of the consumer.
3. Consumer organization should be people’s movements. It should create strong public opinion against all forms of injustice. It should be prepared to organize an appropriate form of protest against injustice
4. The organization may seek the help of some officials of the government while finding solutions to consumer problems.
5. Quick results to problems may not be possible. Hence it is desirable to adopt a ‘go slow’ policy and wait for the results.
6. The solution to problems should be obtained through proper planning and through analysis of the problem.
7. Keep records or copies of all documents safely.
8. Copies of complaint or request to officers should be sent to their higher authority.
9. Give reasonable time limit for action to be taken. If no response is given take the matter to the higher authority.
10. Complaints from consumer should be accepted only after ascertaining that it is genuine.

Coordination with other organization

It is desirable for the consumer organization to coordinate its activities with other consumer organization at state and national level. It should become a member of the federation of consumer unions of the state. At the national level there is a body called confederation of Indian Consumers Organization located at Calcutta. It is necessary to become aware of the International body called consumer International located at London. There is a sub regional office in India called India consumer Protection Programme(ICCP) at Pune. It is necessary for consumer organization in India to work in coordination with national and international bodies.