Inaugural Session Connects Multiple States
The first interaction under the renewed programme was conducted with Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. A total of 1,011 online links were activated, enabling participation from thousands of stakeholders at the Panchayat level.
Officials provided detailed guidance on consumer rights, emerging marketplace challenges and institutional mechanisms available for grievance redressal. The session also allowed Panchayat representatives to raise local concerns and seek clarifications directly from experts.
Focus on Consumer Protection Act and Redressal Systems
A significant component of the programme involves training representatives on provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Participants were briefed on consumer responsibilities, unfair trade practices and the available legal remedies.
Special emphasis was placed on accessible grievance platforms such as the National Consumer Helpline (1915) and the e-Jagriti portal. Panchayats were encouraged to guide citizens in filing complaints and accessing timely redressal.
The earlier phase of the campaign, which began on December 20, 2024, and concluded on August 22, 2025, covered Panchayats across all States and Union Territories except Delhi and Chandigarh, where Panchayati Raj Institutions are not constituted.
Regional Inclusivity Enhances Participation
One of the distinguishing features of the initiative has been its emphasis on regional inclusivity. Training sessions were conducted in respective regional languages to ensure clarity and effective communication at the grassroots level.
Proceedings were chaired by officers proficient in State languages, enabling direct interaction and meaningful dialogue. This approach significantly improved responsiveness and encouraged active participation from field-level representatives.
By removing language barriers, the programme ensured that consumer awareness messages reached even the remotest corners of rural India.
Scalable Digital Model for Nationwide Outreach
The virtual format has emerged as a cost-effective and scalable solution for nationwide engagement. It has enabled large-scale participation within a short timeframe while minimizing logistical expenses.
Officials noted that constructive feedback from States and Union Territories has encouraged the Department to expand the initiative further. The renewed series aims to deepen last-mile consumer awareness and build sustainable institutional capacity at the Panchayat level.
Through this sustained outreach, the Department of Consumer Affairs reiterated its commitment to ensuring that consumer protection permeates every tier of governance. By equipping local bodies with practical knowledge and tools, the programme seeks to empower rural citizens to make informed choices and access timely grievance redressal.
As digital engagement becomes central to governance delivery, initiatives like this capacity-building series underline the growing role of Panchayats in safeguarding consumer rights and strengthening accountability mechanisms across rural India.
