Villagers get lesson in consumer rights

The Mysore District Federation of Consumers' Organisations (MDFCO) had undertaken a consumer-education campaign it called 'grahak yatra' in a few villages near Mysore with the aid of school students a few days ago.

The programme saw over 40 boys and girls turning resource persons spreading awareness among villagers on consumer issues and the Right to Information Act. Most of the participating boys and girls hailed from villages close to Mysore, like Bogadi and Yelwal.

The MDFCO has chosen around 20 schools in Mysore city and taluk to train around 1,100 high school students to promote consumer movement. It has established 'Consumer Clubs' with the help of school managements and the Department of Education. Supervised by a trained teacher, these clubs are spreading the consumer movement and the Right to Information Act, the two acts which have empowered the citizen.

Supported by a grant of Rs 2 lakh from the Consumer Welfare Fund of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, the MDFCO was apprehensive of the poor response from the quarters concerned, including schools and their teachers when it launched a consumer club in each of the 20 schools.

However, the response was so enthusiastic from the school boys and girls now the NGO plans to extend the movement to the neighbouring Mandya district where it is already running four satellite clubs covering some 200 students of four schools.

MDFCO president S P Thirumala Rao says, "The response from students is encouraging, though in some instances the teacher's were not so encouraging. Now that the students have taken to it deeply, the teachers too have volunteered to participate." Teachers from three schools accompanied the boys and girls on the day-long 'Grahak Yatra' covering Nanjangud and Gundlupet taluks of Mysore district.

"Beware, the measure the trader is measuring with may have a false bottom. Do not forget to obtain a receipt after you buy a product in a shop or stores. Check the details on a packed item "" its content, date of validity and price "" before you purchase it," were the messages spread by schoolchildren, as shopkeepers silently listened to them.

The students and consumer activists addressed roadside gatherings, exhibited false measures, imitation articles and explained to the rural folk how they are taken for a ride almost every day. Such meetings were conducted at Nanjangud, Begur, Gundlupet, and Therakanambi.

Besides a roadside show at Gundlupet, they addressed over 300 children at their school grounds. After listening to the activists, some villagers posed questions and sought details on getting their grievances redressed.

"We have been able to identify some good talent, which will be of much help for us to further continue the campaign," says Rao.

The clubs will function for one academic year, when in all about 1,500 school students will be actively associated in the awareness programme.