Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 25 DEC: Amid growing concerns over consumer rights and accountability, Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat observed National Consumers Day on Wednesday with a focused discussion on the evolving scope of India’s consumer protection law, underscoring the need to empower ordinary citizens with legal awareness.
The programme, organised by the Krishnagar organisational district of the Grahak Panchayat, was held at the TS Health Society building in the afternoon. The meeting was presided over by the organisation’s president, Mr Tarak Kumar Sen, and was attended by Supreme Court advocate Mr Anjan Sinha as the chief speaker.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Sen recalled that 24 December marks the day in 1986 when the Consumer Protection Act was first enacted in India, laying the foundation for safeguarding consumers against unfair trade practices. Since then, the day has been observed as National Consumers Day to reaffirm the rights and responsibilities of consumers across the country.
Advocate Pravin Kumar Singh, secretary of the organisation, highlighted the significant changes in the law over the years. “Earlier, the Act primarily provided for monetary penalties. Now, provisions for punitive action, including imprisonment, have been incorporated, which has considerably strengthened consumer rights,” he said, adding that consumers today enjoy far greater legal protection than before.
Supreme Court advocate Mr Sinha stressed the importance of awareness at the grassroots level. He said the real challenge lies in ensuring that people understand how to avail themselves of the benefits of the consumer protection law. “Every citizen must be made aware of these rights, and organisations like this must take the lead in spreading that awareness among the masses,” he observed.
Treasurer Mr Shubhranshu Ghosh said the organisation plans to facilitate easier access to legal remedies for consumers in the coming days, enabling people to seek redress through the Grahak Panchayat. As part of this initiative, an 11-member committee was formed at the meeting to strengthen organisational activities and outreach.
The programme concluded with a renewed call to build a more informed and vigilant consumer community, in keeping with the spirit of National Consumers Day.
