Consumer Protection Council Rourkela

Consumer Protection Council Rourkela (CPC, Rourkela) offers a range of free services to the public, including counselling, consultation, and addressing individual complaints and consumer disputes through the Consumer Courts. It also takes up class complaints and actively participates in Government advisory bodies. Additionally, the organisation distributes consumer-related literature, displays consumer protection hoardings in key areas of Rourkela, and conducts regular consumer education meetings. These efforts aim to empower and assist consumers in their dealings and disputes.

Consumer Protection Council Rourkela (CPC, Rourkela) is committed to raising consumer awareness and protecting consumer rights. In its early stages, the Council published monthly bulletins with information on minimum prices of essential commodities, aiding consumers in avoiding overcharging. These bulletins also served as a means of communication with consumers, emphasizing consumer protection. The Council expanded its efforts, disseminating information through newsletters in both English and Oriya from 1988. It organised talks with prominent individuals to provide consumers with firsthand knowledge and clarification of queries. In 1989, CPC, Rourkela launched "ADVANTAGE CONSUMER," a well-received monthly magazine. The Council also publishes anniversary souvenirs featuring articles by leading consumer activists, furthering its mission of consumer education and protection.

Consumer Protection Council Rourkela (CPC, Rourkela) employs an innovative approach to further its mission. Recognizing the advertising resources available to trade and industry, the Council took a pioneering step by installing large, eye-catching signboards in April 1991, spreading the message of consumer protection. These prominent hoardings were strategically placed in busy areas of the Steel City. Additionally, the Council has created informative brochures and actively participated in events like the Rourkela Book Festival, where it not only distributed brochures but also offered consumer counselling to address individual concerns. This proactive approach demonstrates CPC, Rourkela's commitment to consumer education and protection.

Consumer Protection Council Rourkela (CPC, Rourkela) actively promotes consumer education. It shares consumer successes in Consumer Courts and vital information through both national and local press. Local press correspondents support its endeavours, strengthening the consumer movement in the region. On World Consumer Day, March 15, the Council conducts activities like public meetings, talks, quizzes for schoolchildren and housewives, and training on the Consumer Protection Act, alongside distributing badges, displaying banners, and distributing pamphlets. CPC, Rourkela, also utilizes local cable TV (RSTV) and national TV (Doordarshan) for Talks, Interviews, and Panel discussions to educate the public about their consumer rights. The Council's Secretary delivers lectures in various forums, including Rotary Clubs, Schools, and professional bodies like the Indian Medical Association, furthering consumer awareness and protection.

Consumer Protection Council Rourkela (CPC, Rourkela) actively resolves public grievances and enhances consumer systems. It emerged from resolving a grievance related to cooking gas refill's non-delivery, aiming to establish system credibility. The Council successfully advocated relocating a TV transmitter to improve TV reception. Notably, it played a pivotal role in establishing an independent District Forum in Rourkela, simplifying consumer dispute resolution. CPC, Rourkela, ensured industries passed on reduced excise duty benefits to consumers, prompting Government intervention. The organisation also pushed for printing maximum retail prices, including taxes, on packaged goods, simplifying consumer transactions. CPC, Rourkela, advocated for passenger amenities on the Utkal-Kalinga Express, prioritizing traveler welfare in National Commissions. These efforts underscore its commitment to addressing consumer grievances and advocating positive change.