Advocacy Role
The legal and executive framework is quintessential for any social movement to obtain an impetus and Consumers Rights and Protection is no exception to it. From the moment, the selfless social activists of Grahak Panchayat and Consumer Forum which were later merged into a single entity, ‘Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat’, started working in strengthening this movement, they were clear about the fact that without any legal framework, not much can be achieved in this direction. The violations and defections in case of hundreds of thousands of consumers can never be redressed in absence of any regulatory law. The team which was fast growing started advocating for Consumer Protection Act and played a substantial role in not only giving it a final shape, but also getting it passed in both the Houses of Parliament and it eventually got enacted as a law in the year 1986. The role never ended there. The visionaries behind the movement keep a close tab on the shortcomings and loopholes of the existing legal framework and raise their concerns on appropriate platforms so that further improvements can be made in this direction in order to protect consumer rights in a better and effective manner. The book titled 'Consumer Welfare & Government' authored by Shri Rajabhau Pofavdi proposed amendments in Consumer Protection Act, 1986 which are evident in Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It also highlights expectations of this movement with the Government. And it will continue as we act as a watchdog from outside and echo our voice and ensure that it shall be heard in and out. .
Supportive Role
Legal framework alone is never sufficient. The complexities are such that majority of the consumers are unable to make best use of it. In order to enable them to not only know their rights, but also exercise it, we play a pivotal role. Be it in terms of suggesting course of action or providing support via our Legal cell, we extend every possible support. We either become the voice of our consumers or add strength to their voice so that their rights stay safeguarded and they must get justice in case of any wrongdoing with them. Our different Chapters and offices situated in various districts and cities across the nation extend all possible support so that rights of the consumers stay protected in a veritable manner..
Advisory Role
Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) plays a role of an advisor to governments, both Central and States, to the administrative machinery and to the consumers respectively. We share feasible pieces of advice based on concrete grounds with the sole objective of protecting the interests of the consumers so that they shall not be duped and must enjoy the rights and privileges of being a consumer, an extremely important and strong pillar of the economy. The brigade of ABGP activists keep their minds open and look and hear through the eyes and ears of the consumers and assume role based on the given situation.
Mediator Role
Many a time, acting as a bridge between two entities does wonders and get several issues resolved. ABGP activists and office bearers play this role in a beautiful manner. They act as mediator between Business and Consumer, Governmental Agency and Consumer, Two Governmental Agencies and sometimes between Governments. It has yielded astronomical positive outcomes which act as a great source of satisfaction to the members of the movement. However, it does not bring along any trace of complacency and they stay engrossed in their mission. .