The consumer movement marks 15th March with World Consumer Rights Day every year, as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs.
Celebrating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights.
The day is globally recognised with support from the United Nations and other international actors.
In India, National Consumer Rights Day is observed on December 24. On this day, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, had received the assent of the President of India. The enactment of this Act is considered a historic milestone in the consumer movement of the country.
However, in Goa, it was noted by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (DCSCA) that at the beginning of the academic year in June, there was no momentum to create awareness about consumer rights among the general public as well as educational institutions.
In India, National Consumer Rights Day is observed on December 24. On this day, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, had received the assent of the President of India.
In 2003, the then Assistant Director of DCSCA, Ashutosh Apte, mooted a series of proposals at the meeting of the State Consumer Protection Council to boost consumer rights activity.
Besides the formation of the Consumer Conciliation Committee and the registration of the Voluntary Consumer Organisations (VCOs) by the Department, it was proposed to observe June 25 as State Consumer Rights Day, the day the rules of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 were notified in the Goa Official Gazette.
Since 2004, the State Consumer Rights Day is being observed on June 25 and it has been a great opportunity for the DCSCA and the media to highlight the importance of consumer rights.
In 2006, this day got a further boost after GOACAN launched its campaign to set up Consumer Welfare Clubs (CWCs) in high schools, higher secondary schools and colleges where this day is observed.
In 2006, this day got a further boost after GOACAN launched its campaign to set up Consumer Welfare Clubs (CWCs) in high schools, higher secondary schools and colleges where this day is observed.
The State Consumer Rights Day is a unique celebration as it is only observed in Goa. The day got a further boost after the meetings of the District Consumer Protection Councils chaired by the respective District Collectors resolved that the line departments who are members of the councils must also observe this day at their level.
Subsequently, the Directorate of Food & Drug Administration (DFDA) and the Department of Legal Metrology also took interest in observing this day. Over the years, this day has achieved more significance.
Presently, the amended Consumer Protection Act 2019 needs to be made popular among consumers. Moreover, Goa being a major tourism destination, the consumer rights of the domestic and foreign tourists visiting the State must be also protected.
Therefore through the observation of the State Consumer Rights Day on June 25, Goa has added value and its unique contribution to the “Jago Grahak Jago”, the national awareness campaign on consumer rights of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Government of India.