Consumer Awareness Movement Gains Momentum in Bharat: Kolkata Conclave Spotlights Rights and Duties

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) West Bengal Prant hosted a Media Conclave to empower West Bengal citizens on their rights and duties as consumers on 28th January 2026. This includes users of material products, services, and government benefits from the Government of India, state administrations, and West Bengal authorities.

The event promoted collective action, encouraging urban, rural, and village residents to form consumer groups. These can jointly request details on projects by central, state governments, and panchayats, offering greater security than individual inquiries. Dr. Pankaj Kumar Roy, President of ABGP West Bengal Prant, welcomed attendees and stressed the vital role of mainstream and social media in awareness campaigns.

Established in Pune in 1974, Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat focuses on educating consumers about quality, accurate measurements, after-sales service, and fair pricing. Its key milestone was the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, protecting against exploitation.

Keynote speaker Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS, emphasized media’s influence in motivating consumers to safeguard interests. “Truth-based awareness shapes generations,” he noted, highlighting its boost to quality across the economic chain—from manufacturing to consumption—benefiting the economy.

Other addresses came from Shri Dinkar Sabnis and Shri Deepak Mohanty of Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, and Padma Shri Swapan Das Gupta, renowned journalist and former MP. The conclave urged united consumer efforts for accountability in public and private sectors.