The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Govt. of Himachal  Pradesh has taken several measures to make the consumer aware of their rights.
In order to make consumers aware about their rights following steps have been taken by the department from the State funds during the past three years is as under:

1. The State Consumer Protection council was reconstituted on 12-11-03. The last meeting of council was held on 21-09-2004.

2. Message/appeal on behalf on Hon’ble Chief Minister/Minister Incharge of the department on the eve of world Consumer Rights Day and National Consumer Day are made for the awareness of Consumers through print media. Besides a special cover on consumer awareness was released on 15th March, 2005 by the Hon’ble minister Incharge of the department similarly a special postage stamp on consumer awareness was released at State HQ by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the eve of “World Consumer Right Day on 17th March, 2006.

3. Two tele serials of 24 episode (Jago Grahak Jago) received from the Govt. of India have been further distributed to the Information and Public relation Department and our field offices for wide publicity amongst the consumer while holding consumer awareness seminars.

4. Consumer awareness slogans/message of twenty second duration was broadcasted through AIR in the month of November, 2005.

5. Shivrs in collaboration with BIS are also being organized. Year wise detail is as under:-

2004-05= 3 Shivrs
2005-06= 3 Shivrs
6. Consumer clubs on the pattern of Eco clubs are being constituted in Middle/High Schools. So far as 36 clubs have been constituted in the State.

7. Pamphlets highlighting the provisions of Consumer Protection Act 1986/schemes under consumer awareness programme were brought out and distributed amongst all the at Panchayats level in the State. Besides Hoardings/Boards highlighting the consumer protection Act have been installed at conspicuous public places through out the State.

8. The State Government has notified the Additional Deputy Commissioner as District Consumer Protection Officer in the State for developing Proactive and effective consumer protection movement in their respective Districts.

9. The departmental officers are being imparted training on consumer awareness by National Institute of Training for standardization (NITS) Noida. So far 7 Officers of this department have been imparted the training in the said Institute.

10. In order to make consumers aware about their rights, 100 camps/workshop in ten District of the State were organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India in the month of February, 2006.

11. Citizen's charters regarding departmental policies & activities have also been brought out by most of the departments and displayed in their offices premises for the awareness of general public.

In order to educate them, consumer Protection Seminars are being organized regularly at various places including tribal and remote localities of the State wherein participation of local N.G.O’s public representative, Panchayati Raj institution and women workers is ensured .  During the Financial year 2005 –2006 , 540 Consumer Protection Seminar have been held in the State.

With a view make wide publicity on Consumer Protection Act  1986 , its provisions have been highlighted conspicuously  on “Boards and Hoarding” at important public places in the State.

Message/appeal on behalf on Hon’ble Chief Minister/Minister Incharge of the department on the eve of world Consumer Rights Day and National Consumer Day are made for the awareness of Consumers through print media. Besides a special cover on consumer awareness was released on 15th March, 2005 by the Hon’ble minister Incharge of the department similarly a special postage stamp on consumer awareness was released at State HQ by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the eve of “World Consumer Right Day on 17th March, 2006.

To give a fillup to Consumer Protection movement , 15th March and 24th December are observed as “World Consumer Day” and :National Consumer Day “respectively every year.

The Deptt. of Consumer Affairs GOI, New Delhi has launched two following landmark projects for the help of consumers:

1. The first one is a National Consumer Helpline in collaboration with Delhi University. Consumer from anywhere in India can dial toll free number 1800114000 from any BSNL or MTNL telephone line and seek advice regarding any consumer problem between 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days.

2.The second important milestone is the launch of Consumer Online Resource and Empowerment (Core) project in colloboration with the Consumer Cordination Counsil, New Delhi. Individual Consumer can access the website www.core.nic.in through any browsing center to lodge their complaint or know about latest news in the area of consumer protection and welfare.

LIST OF VOLUNTARY CONSUMER PROTECTION ORGANIZATION

• Consumer Forum Dharamshala ,Old chary Road , Dharamshala (Kangra ) 176215.
• The Hamirpur Consumer Protection Sangthan, RKD  Press (Ist Floor) upper Bazar  Hamirpur.
• Society for development & Environment  Project (Deep) Project Office, Shalah,P.O Mamligh via Kunihar Distt. Solan. Pin:173206
• Una Grahak Suraksha Samiti, Near Old Hospital, Una H.P,                                                                       
• The Aman Upbhokta Sarankshan Sangthan  at village  and P.O. Thathiwani,.Bhoranj, Distt.Hamirpur (H.P.)
• The Himachal Pradesh Consumer Protection Group Y.W.C.A. Building , The Mall, Shimla-171001
• Zila Upbhokta Sangh ,Kullu  Distt. Kullu.(H.P.)
• Sirmour Consumer protection Society, Sansarpur near ITI , Paonta Sahib (H.P.) 173025.
• Solan Zila Upbhokta Sanrakshan, AVM  Kalyan Samiti, Hariom Bhawan, sunny side Solan.
• Himachal Upbhokta Sanrakshan Parishad, Shimla-1

In  Order to promote a strong and brood based Consumer movement in their country, the Govt. of India is giving three separate National Award annually as under:-

• Swami Vivekanand National Award for youth .
• Swami Vivekanand National Award for voluntary consumer organisations. 3.Swami Vivekanand National Award for women.

The detail of scheme/award is as follows:-

SWAMI VIVEKANAND NATIONAL AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY CONSUMER ORGANISATION ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

INTRODUCTION
The government accord a high priority to the programme of Consumer Protection.   To Promote a strong and broad based consumer movement in the country particularly at grass root level, the Government encourages formation of voluntary consumer organizations in both urban and rural areas which are willing to generate awareness amongst the consumer about their rights; bringing out new ideas on consumer protection; undertake research   and any other   activity   which directly contributes towards voluntary consumer   movement in the country .  To recognise the efforts made by the voluntary consumer organization s in this field and to provide them incentive, the Central Government had instituted in the year 1988 a scheme of annual National Award for voluntary consumer organizations for their excellence in consumer protection programme.  The scheme has named after Swami Vivekananda in the year 2000.
Under the scheme, 3 awards in order of merit will be given in the shape of prize money of Rs. 50,000/-, Rs.40,000/- and Rs.30,000/- to first three voluntary consumer organisations.  All the recipients of awards will also  also be given Certificate of Merit.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS:-
The Voluntary consumer organizations including women organizations applying for the awards must fulfill the following conditions:-

• It should be a voluntary consumer organization working for the promotion protection  of consumer interests;
• It should have legal status.  For this purpose it should be registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 or any other similar status;
• It should have been in existence for the cause of consumer protection for at least during the last three years.
• It should be non-political, non-official and under non-proprietary management;
• It should not be run for profit for any individual or group of individuals but should serve the general public without distinction of caste, creed, color and religion;
• It should not have received any grant-in-aid for the same purpose from any other Department/Ministry of the Central Government.

The performance of the voluntary consumer organizations including women group which will apply for this award will be judged from their work in one or more of the following fields:-
·  Innovative approach to solve the problems of consumers;
·  To take up important consumer cause;
·  Putting up special efforts for the redressal of consumer grievances;
·  To undertake research and bring out innovative ideas in the field of consumer protection;
·  Promoting consumer movement particularly in the rural areas by organizing Seminar, publishing of
literature on consumer protection, etc.,
·  By undertaking testing programme relating to equality, quantity, standardization for various consumer products;
·  Educating consumers about their rights and how to exercise them; or
·  Any other activity which directly or indirectly contributes towards consumer protection and spreading the message of voluntary consumer movement.
·  There should be at least 100 members in each VCO.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AWARD

(i) The award will relate to calendar year 2012.
(ii) The applicant will submit two copies of the report of its activity to the concerned State. Government/UT Administration. The activity report must contain special  efforts made by the organization in redressing consumer grievances; promotional and educational activities undertaken  by them, new ideas/approach exhibited by them; important consumer causes taken up, number of members in the consumer causes taken up, number of members in the consumer organization etc. The report will indicate its activities under clear heads. The report should be in the format endorsed and activities should be supported by documentary proof.
(iii) The report should be written in English/Hindi in legible handwriting preferably typed in double space.
(iv) The aspirant consumer organizations will give an undertaking that it will abide by the rules and  regulations of  the scheme.
(v) The consumer organization will clearly indicate that it will not have any copyright claim over the report submitted for the purpose of this award and the Government will have right to publish the material forward.

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION

1. The concerned State Government /UT Administration will verify the activities of the as present consumer organization. In case State Government finds the work as commendable. It will forwarded one copy of the report submitted by the organization to Central Government with its recommendations and comments for the purpose of this award.  The State Government can also suo moto make recommendations in case of deserving Voluntary Consumer Organizations whose work is commendable and who fulfill the eligibility conditions, even if an application is not tiled by the concerned person.

2. While assessing the performance of consumer organization, the State Government/UT administration will give preference to consumer organization functioning in the rural, Tribal or backward areas. Similar preference should also be given to women consumer organization . In case of urban based consumer organizations, State Govt./UT administration will particularly see the performance of that particular organization in the rural areas as and its visible impact on the welfare of the consumers.

3. The selection will be made by a committee comprising of Secretary (Consumer Affairs) in the Central Government. Other members will be representative of Planning Commission. Ministry of Finance, (Department of Expenditure) Department of Rural Areas & Employment and an active consumer activist who has done outstanding work in the field of consumer protection to be nominated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution ,Department of Consumers Affairs every year. Such representation should not belong to the organization which is an aspirant for award for that particular year. Additional Secretary in-Charge of consumer protection will be Member Secretary.

4. The recommendations of the Committee will be submitted to Minister in charge of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution for approval/consideration.

5. Central Government reserves the right not to give any award in a year when no Consumer organization is found eligible for this purpose.

PROFORMA FOR STATE/UT FOR EXAMINING SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY CONSUMER ORGANIZATIONS ON CONSUMER PROTECTION.

(Name of the State/UT:_______________________) 

1.Year to which award relates

2.Name & Address of the Organization

3.Whether the organization is registered
(attested copy of the registration certificate
 should be enclosed)?

4.Whether it has been in existence for the last 3 year?

5.Whether it has received any grant  from the 
Central/State Government for the same purpose?

6.Whether it has given both the undertakings as 
specified in the scheme of award {see(iv)&(v) 
under the heading “How to apply for the award”} ?

7.Area of operation of the organization. Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi-urban/Metropolitan.

8.Has the report of the activities of the organization
 on consumer protection for the year ........ been enclosed?

9.Whether activities of the organization in .......... have
 been verified by the State Government?

10.Impact of the activities of the organization on consumer
 movement as observed by the State Administration.

11.Whether one copy of the report is enclosed for perusal 
of the Central Government?

12.Recommendation of the State Government.

SIGNATURE OF THE  SECRETARY INCHARGE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF …………………

(SYNOPSIS OF ACTIVITY REPORT)
(TO BE FILLED BY THE APPLICANT)
Swami Vivekanand National Award For Voluntary Consumer Protection

1.Name of the State/UT

2.Name and Address of the organization

3.Whether the organization is registered and
working in the field of consumer protection. For
 more than 3 years (Please also enclose a copy 
of Registration Certificate).

4.Area of operation.                                    Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi-Urban/Metropolitan.

5.Total No. of Members in the organization. Male: _________Female: ________
Whether exclusively consisting of women?   Student:_____________

6.Whether in receipt of grant –in aid from State/Central 
Government? If so, for what activities?

7.Detail of Consumer Protection undertaken during 
2005(refer to eligibility criteria):

8.Whether the organization  received any appreciation
certificate/award from the State/UT for the same purpose?

9.Explain the details of:-
(a) Important consumer causes taken up 
during ...., in brief:                                                     
(i)                                                                       
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

b) Promotional and educational activities 
undertaken especially in rural areas during .....
(i)  No. of Rural meetings organized
(ii)  No. of seminars organized in rural areas. (enclose copies of Minutes )
(iii) No. of exhibitions organized
(iv) No. of booklets published (enclose copies)
(v)  No. of training programmes  organized.
(vi) Details of Newsletter/ Magazine brought out (enclose copies)
(vii) No. of training /seminars attended.

(c) Redressal of Grievances                       (Annexures may be added to support the activity).
(i)   No. of cases solved through own efforts.
(ii)  No. of cases filed in DF.
(iii)  No. of cases filed in SC.
(iv)  No. of cases filed in NC.
(v)   No. of cases won (copies of judgment enclosed)
(vi)  No. of cases counseling given (enclose details)

10.Enclose a brief summary of all the consumer 
protection activities undertaken in the year ....
(Not exceeding one page).

11.General remarks, if any

(Signature of the applicant)

Place:_______________

Dated:_______________

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA  NATIONAL AWARD FOR WOMEN ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

Government accords a high priority to the programmes of consumer protection and is keen to promote a strong and broad based consumer movement in the country particularly at grass root level. Cognizant of the manifold problems of the consumers, the Government has enacted a comprehensive consumer protection legislation namely the Consumer Protection Act,1986 which aims at providing simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal to the consumer grievances. However, to promote a strong consumer movement in the country, sections of the society particularly the women have to contribute. To recognize the outstanding efforts made by the women in this field and to encourage them, to come forward and take up such activities in large numbers, the Government had instituted in the year 1993 a scheme of annual National Awards for Women on Consumer protection. The Scheme has been renamed after Swami Vivekananda in the year 2000.
Under the scheme, 3 awards will be given in the shape of prize money of Rs.20,000/-,Rs.15,000/- and Rs.10,000/-. The recipients of the award will also be given Certificate of Merit.

ELIGIBILITY OF THE AWARD:
All the women who have done out standing work for consumer protection would be eligible for this award. There will be no age limit. The performance will be judged from their work in one or more of the following fields:

• taking up important consumer causes;
• putting in special efforts for redressal of consumer grievances;
• bringing out new ideas for consumer protection and safety from health hazards;
• promoting consumer movement, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas through exhibitions, seminar, demonstrations etc.;
• undertaking  consumer research or investigation into specific consumer problems;
• taking up any other activity which directly or indirectly contributes towards consumer protection and spreading the message of voluntary consumer movement.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AWARD

• The award will relate to calendar year 2012.
• The aspirant will submit two copies of the report of her activity to the concerned State Government/UT Administration. The activity report must contain special  efforts made by the applicants in redressing consumer grievances; promotional and educational activities undertaken by them, new ideas/approach exhibited by them; important consumer causes taken up, etc. The report will indicate the activities under clear heads and will also include her brief bio-data. The report should be in the format enclosed and the activities should be supported by documentary proof.
• The report should be written in English/Hindi in legible handwriting preferably typed in double space.
• The aspirant will give an undertaking that she will abide by the rules and regulations of the scheme.
• She will clearly indicate that she will not have any copy right claim over the publication submitted by her for the purpose of this award and the Government  will have right to publish the same or part of the report.

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION

• The concerned State Government/UT Administration will verify the activities and in case the State Government finds the work commendable, it will forward the one copy of the report submitted to the Central Government along with its recommendations and comments. The State Government can also suo moto make recommendations in case of deserving persons whose work is commendable and who fulfill the edibility conditions, even if an application is not filed by the concerned person.
• While assessing the performance of the aspirants, the State Government will particularly see the impact of the performance on welfare of large sections of consumers.
• The selection will be made by a committee comprising of Secretary (Consumer Affairs), Additional Secretary in-charge of consumer protection and an eminent  person who has done outstanding work in the field of consumer protection to be nominated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs. The recommendations of the Committee will be approved by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Central Government reserves the right not to give any award in a year when no one is found eligible for this purpose.

PROFORMA FOR STATE/UT FOR EXAMINING SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR WOMEN ON CONSUMER PROTECTION.

(Name of the State/UT:_______________________)

1.Year to which award relates....

2.Name & Address of the Applicant nominated.

3.Date of Birth and age as on 31.12....

4.Whether the applicant is an office bearer/member
 in voluntary consumer organization, if so, details thereof ? 

5.Whether involved in Consumer Protection activities
during the last three years ? If yes, details thereof.

6.Whether she has received any appreciation certificate/award
 from the State/UT  for the same purpose?

7.Whether  both the undertakings as specified in the scheme
of award {see (iv)&(v) under the heading “How to apply for 
the award”} ? have given?

8.Area of operation.                              Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi-urban/Metropolitan.

9.Activities in the field of consumer protection for 
the year .... to which the award relates.

10.Whether activities have been verified by the 
State Government?

11.Impact of the activities  on consumer movement 
as observed by the State Administration.

12.Whether one copy of the activity report is enclosed?

13.Recommendation of the State Government.

SIGNATURE OF THE  SECRETARY
INCHARGE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
GOVERNMENT OF…...................

(SYNOPSIS OF ACTIVITY REPORT)
(TO BE FILLED BY THE APPLICANT)
 Swami Vivekanand National Award For Women on Consumer Protection

Name of the State/UT________________________

1.Year of which award relates..........

2.Name and Address of the applicant

3.Date of Birth as on 31.12....

4.Whether the applicant is an office bearer/
member if any, voluntary consumer organization, 
if so, detail thereof.

5.Whether involved in consume protection activities
during the last three years, if yes, details thereto.

6.Whether she has   received any appreciation certificate
/award from the State/UT for the same purpose?

7.Whether  both the undertakings as specified in the scheme
of awards {see(v)& (vi) under the heading “How  to apply for
the award have been given? 

8.Area of operation                                   Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi-Urban/Metropolitan

9.Activities in the field of consumer protection during
 2005 to which the award relates.
(a) Important consumer causes taken up 
during 2005 in brief.
(b) Promotional and educational activities 
undertaken especially in rural areas during ....
(i) No. of Rural meetings organized
(ii) No. of seminars organized in rural areas. (enclose copies of Minutes )
(iii) No. of exhibitions organized
(iv) No. of booklets published (enclose copies)
(v) No. of training programmes  organized.
(vi) Details of Newsletter/ Magazine brought out (enclose copies)
(vii) No. of training /seminars attended.

(c) Redressal of Grievances 
(i)  No. of cases solved through own efforts.
(ii) No. of cases filed in DF.
(iii) No. of cases filed in SC.
(iv) No. of cases filed in NC.
(v) No. of cases won (copies of judgment enclosed)
(v) No. of cases counseling given (enclose details)

10.Enclose a brief summary of all the consumer protection
activities undertaken in the year ....(Not exceeding one page).

11.General remarks, if any

                                                              (Signature of the applicant) 

Place:_______________

Dated:_______________

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR YOUTH ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

Government accords a high priority to the programme of consumer protection and is keen to promote a strong and broad based consumer movement in the country particularly at grass root level. Cognizant of the manifold problems of the consumers, the Government has enacted a comprehensive consumer protection legislation namely the Consumer Protection Act,1986 which aims at providing simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal to the consumer grievances. However, to promote a strong consumer movement in the country, sections of the society particularly the youth and the women have to contribute to this cause . To recognize the outstanding efforts made by the youth and the women in this field and to provide them the incentive and encouragement, the Government had instituted a scheme of annual National Awards for Youth on Consumer Protection in 1987.  This Scheme has been renamed after “Swami Vivekananda” in the year 2000.
Under the scheme, 3 awards will be given in the shape of prize money of Rs.20,000/-,Rs.15,000/- and Rs.10,000/-. The recipients of the award will also be given Certificate of Merit.

ELIGIBILITY OF THE AWARD:

All the youth including women in the age group of 15-35 year who have done outstanding work for consumer protection would be eligible for this award. There will be no age limit. The performance of the youth who will apply for this award will be judged from their outstanding work in one or more of the following fields:

• taking up important consumer causes;
• putting in special efforts for redressal of consumer grievances;
• bringing out new ideas for consumer protection and safety from health hazards;
• promoting consumer movement, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas through
• exhibitions, seminar, demonstrations etc.;
• undertaking consumer research or investigation into specific consumer problems;
• taking up any other activity which directly or indirectly contributes towards consumer protection and spreading the message of voluntary consumer movement.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AWARD

• The award will relate to calendar year 2012.
• The aspirant will submit two copies of the report of his/her activity to the concerned State Government/UT Administration. The activity report must contain special efforts made by the them in redressing consumer grievances; promotional and educational activities undertaken by them, new ideas/approach exhibited by them; important consumer causes taken up, etc. The report will indicate the activities under clear heads and will also include their brief bio-data. The report should be in the format enclosed and the activities should be supported by documentary proof.
• The report should be written in English/Hindi in legible handwriting preferably typed in double space.
• The aspirant will give an undertaking that she will abide by the rules and regulations of the scheme.
• He or she will clearly indicate that she will not have any copy right claim over the publication submitted by him or her for the purpose of this award and the Government will have right to publish the same or part of the report.

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION

• The concerned State Government/UT Administration will verify the activities and in case the State Government finds the work commendable, it will forward the one copy of the report submitted to the Central Government along with its recommendations and comments. The State Government can also suo moto make recommendations in case of deserving persons whose work is commendable and who fulfill the edibility conditions, even if an application is not filed by the concerned person.
• The recommendations and comments of the State Government along with report of the activities should reach the Central Government latest by 31st July,....
• The selection will be made by a committee comprising of Secretary (Consumer Affairs), Additional Secretary in-charge of consumer protection and an eminent  person who has done outstanding work in the field of consumer protection to be nominated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs. The recommendations of the Committee will be approved by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Central Government reserves the right not to give any award in a year when no one is found eligible for this purpose.

PROFORMA FOR STATE/UT FOR EXAMINING SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR YOUTH  ON CONSUMER PROTECTION.

(Name of the State/UT:_______________________)

1.Year to which award relates.........

2.Name & Address of the
Applicant nominated.

3.Date of birth and age as on 31.12....

4.Whether the applicant is an office bearer/member
in voluntary consumer organization  if so, details thereof?

5.Whether involved in Consumer activities during
the last 3 year? If yes, details thereof.

6.Whether applicant has received any appreciation
certificate/award from  the State/UT  for the same purpose?

7.Whether both the undertakings as specified in the
scheme of award {see (iv)&(v) under the heading 
“How to apply for the award”} have been given?

8. Area of operation .                          Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi-urban/Metropolitan.

9.Activities in the field of  consumer protection during 
the year 2005 to which the award relates.

10.Whether activities of the organization in .... have
 been verified by the State Government? 

11.Impact of the activities on consumer movement as 
observed by the State Administration.

12.Whether one copy of the activity report  is enclosed?

13.Recommendation of the State Government.

     SIGNATURE OF THE  SECRETARY
     INCHARGE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
     GOVERNMENT OF …………………..
 

(SYNOPSIS OF ACTIVITY REPORT)
(TO BE FILLED BY THE APPLICANT) 

Swami Vivekanand National Award For Youth on Consumer Protection

1.Name of the State/UT

2.Name and Address of the applicant.

3.Age(as on 31.12....)

4.Organisation for which he/she is working, if any.

5.Whether  involved in consumer protection 
activities during the last 3 years ?If yes, detail thereof.

6.Area of operation                                      Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi-Urban/Metropolitan.

7. Activities in the  field of Consumer protection  during
2000 to which the  award relates.
(a) Important Consumer causes taken up during
....  in brief.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

b) Promotional and educational
activities undertaken especially in rural areas during ....
(i) No. of Rural meetings organized
(ii) No. of seminars organized in rural areas. (enclose copies of Minutes )
(iii) No. of exhibitions organized
(iv) No. of booklets published (enclose copies)
(v) No. of training programmes  organized.
(vi) Details of Newsletter/ Magazine brought out (enclose copies)
(vii) No. of training /seminars attended.

(c) Redressal of Grievances 
(i)  No. of cases solved through own efforts.
(ii) No. of cases filed in DF.
(iii) No. of cases filed in SC.
(iv) No. of cases filed in NC.
(v) No. of cases won (copies of judgment enclosed)
(vi) No. of cases counseling given (enclose details)
(d) Any other activity undertaken.

8.Enclose a brief summary of all the consumer protection
activities undertaken in the year ....(Not exceeding one page).

9.Whether a copy of the bio-data have been  enclosed ?           Yes or No

                   (Signature of the applicant) 

Place:_______________

Dated:_______________ 
                                                                                                                                                 

5. The Government of India  has also introduced four prizes for eminent  Hindi Authors who have been associated with the consumer affairs activities. These awards are to be given by annually  and the prize amount of these awards has been kept as under:-

                                      1st Prize     =    15,000/-
                                      2nd Prize    =    10,000/-
                                      3rd Prize     =     7,000/-
                                      4^th Prize     =      5,000/-

To gear up the consumer awareness movement more effectively the Government of India has proposed to set up a multi-functional Consumer Information Centres in each Distt. Of every State and Union Territory through the Zila Parishad or Voluntary Consumer Organization of the repute. The Broad  guidelines to set-up a Consumer Information Centre is as follows:-  

Proposal to set up District Consumer Information Centre (DCIC)

1.Despite the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, awareness among a large section of people, the rights of the consumers and how to protect those rights etc. still remains unknown to many due to inadequate spread of Knowledge/information. To spread this awareness the Government in 1992 created Consumer Welfare Fund, to promote and protect consumer welfare by amending the Central Excise and Salt Act,1944 wherein money refundable to manufacturers which could not be refunded due to lack of identity, being credited.

2.The Deptt of Consumer Affairs had earlier circulated a scheme of financial assistance for setting up of the Consumer Information Centres to be provided from the Consumer Welfare Fund. All States and Union Territories were requested to sponsor applications. The scheme is open to State Governments/agencies and VCOs of repute. A total of Rs. 4 lakhs is to be granted for setting up the each CIC out of which Rs. 2.35 Lakhs is in the form of non-recurring expenditure and Rs 1.65 lakhs  is in the form of recurring expenditure. The non-recurring part is to be released immediately on sanction and the recurring part is to be released in a phased manner spread over five years. Each CIC is to function as information, resource and guidance centre and as a testing centre. The agency which is to run the CIC is to be self-supporting in this activity after five years and to continue on its own thereafter.

3. The existing Scheme of CIC was decided in the 14th meeting of the Standing Committee in 1996 and all the State Governments were subsequently requested to identify  one or two VCOs of repute capable of running such centres with initial capital support. The response from the State Governments/VCOs has been rather limited. It has been observed that many of the VCOs are not in a position to self-sustain the scheme after the initial grant support ceases not many VCOs have the capacity and resources to run a multipurpose CIC. It has now been felt that the Panchayati Raj institutions should be actively involved in implementing the scheme in addition to supporting capable VCOs, as before, wherever they exist. It is felt that unless each district in the country have at least one CIC geared to meeting the consumer requirements for awareness generation consumer protection related activities would continue to have negligible impact on the ground, despite enactment being on the Statute books since 1986 and absence of funds constraints.

4. The reasons for suggesting inclusion of the role of Zila Parishads over and above capable VCOs are as follows:-

• Zila Parishads are constitutional entities created for devolution of powers to the local levels for greater decentralisation in decision making and implementation.
• Being elected and statutory bodies they are not part of the State Government.
• They have considerable resources, in terms of money, infrastructure and manpower. Hence even after the grant from the centre ceases, the Zila Parishads may not face any problem in continuing with the scheme.
• Any fund given to Zila Parishad is subject to the discipline of audit and accountability as per rules prescribed.
• The Zila Parishads are governed by the elected representatives of people who have grass-root level knowledge and are therefore, capable to spread awareness to make the consumer movement a mass movement.

5. To cover all the Districts through the Zila Parishads in five phases, with 115 districts in each phase (113 in last phase), it is proposed to give a total financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakhs as one time grant, part of which would be for non-recurring expenses and part a recurring component as indicated in Annexure-I. Adequate space for proper functioning of the Centres to be provided by Zila Parishads free of charge. Annual budget of the centre to be vetted by CEO of Zila Parishad and any excess expenditure is to be borne by Zila Parishad. The expenditure sanctions to be vetted by CEO Zila Parishad The expenditure sanctions to be vetted by CEO Zila Parishad

The fund will be disbursed in phased manner covering 3 years with Rs. 2.5. Lakhs in the first year , Rs. 1.75 lakhs in second year and Rs. 75,000/- in the third year. The second and the third annual installment  will be given subject to the review by the monitoring committee and CIC having demonstrated satisfactory performance. The willing Zila Parishad are to give undertaking for continue funding of the DCIC beyond the limit of the grant if  and when required. The State Government  will be approached by Deptt. Of Consumer Affairs to ascertain the willingness of Zila Parishad and subject to their giving undertaking to State Govts., the Specific Sanctions would be issued.
6. Functions of DCIC
·     To disseminate information on all aspects of consumer protection i.e. legal, administrative, information regarding consumer courts and their procedures, information relating to consumer organizations in the area, anti-poverty programmes, various governmental schemes on employment etc. The DCIC will be responsible for disseminating such information not only to the direct users in the  centre but to all local bodies below the Zila Parishad level.
·     To liaise with the Distt. Weights & Measures authorities/Laboratories in handling issues relating to quality, weights , adulteration etc.   Wherever Governmental Laboratories are not available DCIC will liaise with private testing laboratories  , if available to use their facility on the basis of payment of fee. 
·     To maintain close interaction with Distt. Civil Supplies   Organization.
·     To develop a Data base of the  VCOs  in the region and  consumer related information such as relating to fair price shops , availability of essential commodities etc.
·     To organize all important functions relating to consumer awareness generation such as World Consumer Day and to interact with the student community in the school in the Zila Parishad region . 
·     To have access to nicnet/internet by which information relating to all Governmental schemes and programmes etc. could be obtained and disseminated (as and when funding for such computer facility is given by the deptt. Of Consumer Affairs ) 
·     To prepare annual calendar of activities in advance and seek the approval of the Zila Parishad.
·     To disseminate all information regarding legal services authority who provide full range of legal service free of cost and maintain liaison.  

FUNDING PATTERN OF THE SCHEME  

7. The total fund requirement of the scheme , if implemented in all the 573 Distts.>  of the country included in all the states and Union Territories, would work out to Rs. 28.65 crores (@ Rs. 5.00 lakhs per centre ). The yearly out flow covering seven years will be as per the disbursement   schedule given in annexure –1 . However , it is not   being suggested to be implemented in all the distts. at one time because it is felt that if the scheme is implemented in phases and all the distts. are covered gradually , it would facilitate proper review and gaining of experience of different centres.  This would also facilitate mid-phase correction and improvement .  It would provide opportunities for mid-phase corrections and improvements of the scheme.     It is proposed to implement the scheme in five phases and in each phase 20% of the districts from each State/Uts are to be taken up at a time. Year wise expenditure flow are projected below :- 

Monitoring of the Scheme/DCIC

8. A monitoring committee will be setup by the Zila Parishad to ensure the smooth functioning of the centre . The committee will consists of the following :-

• A nominee of the President of the Zila Parishad (from amongst the elected members of Zila Parishad ).
• A nominee of the District Civil Supplies Officer (not below the rank of Assistant Civil Supply Officer).
• A representative of  a Local VCO functioning in the district, to be nominated by the Distt. Collector .
• The Monitoring Committee will meet at least twice a year to review the over all performance of the DCIC with reference to the calendar of activities and place their review report before the President of the Zila Parishad. 

The accounts of the DCIC will be audited in the same manner and by the same organisation as the accounts of the Zila Parishad are audited. Duly certified annual utilisation certificate has to be sent by the Zila Parishad to the Deptt.. Of Consumer Affairs within 18 months from the date of release of funds. The department of Consumer Affairs will review the functioning of the scheme/centres in various states from time to time when meeting are held  in connection with the monitoring of prizes, availability of essential commodities etc. associating state Govts. The State Government  and the Deptt. Of Consumer Affairs would also take appropriate steps such as periodic visit by officials, evaluation, studies etc. in monitoring and evaluating the project/scheme.