TRINITY MIRROR

Chennai, Oct 11,2005

While welcoming globalization and it’s positive rub off on the economy, I fear a potent evil in the form of substandard goods illegally getting marketed in India. It is imperative that we educate our people, especially the youth and help them to protect themselves from the onslaught of high-tech marketing of these substandard products. And thus arises the strong need to empower our societies. Bejon Misra, Chairman consumer co-ordination council and Chief Executive Officer Consumer VOICE, said in a press meet here.

Misra elaborated on the plan of action in the direction. One such tool is VOICE-Voluntary Organization in the Interest of Consumer Education. The VOICE is a vibrant and pro-active voluntary action group founded by the Students and Teachers of Delhi University in 1983-84. VOICE is totally dedicated to espouse the cause of consumer protection. VOICE is the pioneer in introducing the concept of consumer education through comparative testing as recommended by Sathir Nair Committee, Gov’t of India.

The VOICE has so far under taken enormous research which not only substantiates it’s Advocacy but throws light on anamolies. All Reserch were under-taken within the frame work of consumer Protection Act-1986, Amended Act 2002, Environment Protection Act 1937 & Amended Act 1986 and Agricultural Produce (Grading & Marketing) Act 1937, AG Mark 1988.

VOICE has undertaken various studies and observed innumerable violations. Some of the Studies undertaken are: Study on implementation of national Food Laws on packed food products & Study on implementation of National Food Labeling law. The findings clearly illustrated violations.

For Example : In Baby food Packet – the name of the manufacture, Vegetarian symbol and P not given. Picture of Baby depicted Mother’s milk is the best for baby not indicated and no instruction on preparation & warning statement on the left over food.

In order to minimize the damage it is mooted that Govt. besides empowering organized recognized societies to monitor & Gov’t keep strict vigil on the imported good at the entry point and create strong co-ordination mechanism among ministries and Depts.