What is the role of consumer organisation and NGOs

Consumer organisations and NGOs play an important role in protecting public interests and promoting social welfare. Their key roles include :

• Consumer Awareness – Educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, product quality, pricing, and fair trade practices.
• Protection of Rights – Representing consumers in disputes, complaints, and legal cases against unfair business practices.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence – Influencing government policies and laws to ensure consumer protection and social justice.
• Monitoring and Watchdog Role – Keeping a check on businesses, services, and government actions to prevent exploitation and corruption.
• Research and Information – Conducting studies, surveys, and publishing reports to inform the public and policymakers.
• Support and Guidance – Assisting consumers with complaints, legal procedures, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Social Development – NGOs work in areas like education, health, environment, women empowerment, and poverty reduction to improve quality of life.

In India there are about 500 consumer organisation working in the field of consumer protection. This organisation sa consumer education and research centre Ahmedabad, consumer unity and trust society, common cause New Delhi etc.

This organisation or associations helps-

1. To educate the villagers or the general public about the consumer rights by organising various seminars and workshops and training programs.

2. Filing complaint in consumer court on behalf of consumer.

3. Motivating people to ask for quality marks such as ISI mark ,agmark etc.

4. Helping government agency to resolve the cases of consumer exploitation.

5. Carrying on consumer awareness program by encouraging consumer to strongly protest and take an action against unfair trade practices of seller.