India Advances Consumer Rights on World Consumer Day
On World Consumer Rights Day 2025, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to empowering consumers through various initiatives. During a virtual address, he highlighted eco-labeling programs, protections against unfair trade practices in e-commerce, and efforts to combat greenwashing. The minister underscored the importance of sustainable consumer choices, aligning with the theme of this year’s observance: “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.”
Government Initiatives for Consumer Empowerment
Shri Pralhad Joshi outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing consumer protection and promoting sustainability. He noted that the government is actively working to create a regulatory framework that safeguards consumers from misleading practices, particularly in the rapidly evolving e-commerce sector. The Department of Consumer Affairs organized a webinar to discuss how consumers can integrate sustainability into their daily choices while ensuring economic fairness.
During his address, Joshi quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “The Government of India is not only focusing on Consumer Protection but also on consumer prosperity.” This reflects a broader commitment to fostering a culture of responsible consumption in India. The minister emphasized that sustainable lifestyles are essential for addressing pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He called for a collective effort, encapsulated in the phrase “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas,” to create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Promoting Sustainable Practices and Consumer Awareness
The Union Minister praised the Department of Consumer Affairs for its proactive measures, including the issuance of guidelines to prevent misleading advertisements and greenwashing. He also highlighted the Consumer Protection E-commerce Rules, 2020, which aim to protect consumers in the online marketplace. Joshi commended the launch of the E-Daakhil portal and the e-Jagriti initiative, which enhance consumer grievance redressal mechanisms.
In his remarks, Joshi stressed the importance of consumer awareness, advocating for the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” as essential components of sustainable consumption. He urged consumers to embrace their responsibilities and make informed choices, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a zero-carbon lifestyle. The minister also referenced the Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE, which seeks to transition from a ‘use-and-dispose’ economy to a more sustainable circular economy.
Webinar Highlights and Future Initiatives
The webinar, organized by the Department of Consumer Affairs, featured discussions on sustainable lifestyles and the right to repair. Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department, emphasized that sustainability should be accessible and affordable for all societal classes. She noted the importance of manufacturers in creating sustainable products and highlighted the ongoing discussions about the Right to Repair, which aims to empower consumers with knowledge for minor repairs.
Khare also mentioned the Central Consumer Protection Authority’s (CCPA) recent guidelines aimed at regulating greenwashing and ensuring fair sustainable claims by manufacturers. The CCPA has facilitated significant refunds for consumers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and launched a Safety Pledge for e-commerce platforms, ensuring prompt resolution of consumer issues.
The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 2.0 has seen rapid growth, with plans for NCH 3.0 to significantly reduce grievance resolution times. The Department continues to conduct market surveys to ensure product quality and promote high standards for consumer goods. Upcoming initiatives include a series of workshops and campaigns designed to engage consumers and industry stakeholders in discussions about sustainability and consumer rights.
Engaging the Community and Building Awareness
In celebration of World Consumer Rights Day, the Department of Consumer Affairs has launched various activities aimed at educating consumers about their rights. These include mobile outreach campaigns, workshops, and webinars focused on sustainable lifestyles. The Quality Connect Campaign, running from March 1 to March 15, 2025, aims to raise awareness about the importance of standards in protecting consumer rights.
Senior officials from various government bodies, industry representatives, and consumer organizations participated in the webinar, reflecting a collaborative approach to consumer protection. The Department’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem of quality and sustainability is evident in its ongoing efforts to engage consumers and promote responsible consumption practices across the nation.
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