A path-breaking book of CUTS International, Jaipur titled, ‘Rajasthan Mein Upbhoktaon Ki Stithi‘ (State of Consumers in Rajasthan) was released by Dr Kirori Lal Meena, Minister of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Government of Rajasthan at a state function organised to commemorate the World Consumer Rights Day (March 15, 2006). The release of the book was kept as one of the main items in the programme agenda of the government. The Minister, who kept a copy to read, lauded CUTS’ efforts in bringing out such a valuable book, which would help consumers in many ways.
CUTS International aims to disseminate right information on consumer issues to the people of India in general and the people of Rajasthan in particular, so that a right environment could be created where every consumer can voice his or her concerns and problems. The book contains a wealth of information on consumer issues including: a brief introduction by Pradeep S Mehta, General Secretary CUTS International; the rights and responsibilities of consumers; how the consumers should deal with consumer-related problems; what the governmental efforts and actions have been regarding the consumer issues; the sets of yes-no questions; recommendations and suggestions for effective protection of consumer rights and the role of consumer organisations (with the list of consumer organisations in various districts of Rajasthan) etc.
To reach out to wide sections of the society, including the common men and women and the grassroots people, the CUTS International brought out the book in Hindi language.
Mrs Meenakshi Hooja, Principal Secretary, Food and Consumer Affairs, Government of Rajasthan, Justice S K Garg, President, State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Mr M C Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Food were the other dignities present on the occasion. They were highly impressed by the topic that CUTS International selected for doing service to the common people. They were presented a copy each as a gift.
Other distinguished participants included representatives from voluntary civil organisations (VCO), panchayati raj institutions (PRIs), district supply officers (DSOs) working on consumer clubs of various schools in Rajasthan, and some bright students of consumer clubs (who were also awarded at the function), presidents and members of District Forums and media persons. There were about 300 delegates present in the function. Deepak Saxena and K C Sharma represented CUTS International. The book got attention of every attendee present there.
In the introduction, Mr S P Paliwal, who was also moderating appreciated CUTS’ efforts in doing this exercise, quoted a few passages from the book. In addition, the senior officials from Department of Food & Consumer Affairs, Rajasthan, also read out a few significant lines from the book.