Consumer education, the American way

It was consumer rights being discussed all around, at this lecture organised on Monday by the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC), along with the American Centre, Mumbai.

The lecture featured programmes director of the Consumers Union (non profit), USA, Charles Bell, who elaborated on how a consumer can protect himself and use his rights effectively.

Bell shared his views on consumer rights and education. "The methods of resolving consumers' issues are more or less the same in India at CERC (as they are at Consumers' Union). The methods of testing are also very similar," he said.

Consumers Union, established in 1936, works to provide a fair, just and safe market to consumers. Consumers Union is also the publisher of the magazine 'Consumer Reports', which educates consumers on varied issues. With a reach of around 4.5 million copies per annum, the core areas of the organisation are automobiles, electronics, home, health and finance.

The lecture witnessed discussions on varied topics like health, insurance and consumer durables, among others. Health is an important issue and so is health related insurance, which is why the consumer should be aware of all his rights, said one of the observations made here.

"We have to be careful when the health and safety of the consumer is at stake, and thus take all care to educate the consumer the right way," added Bell. Bell also spoke on consumer durables, the automobile industry in America, and various other issues.

Some members from CERC had been sent for training to Consumers Union. Pritee Shah, senior director and editor of 'Insight', was one among those sent for the training.

She said, "It is an honour to be trained at Consumers Union. We are looking forward to an association with this organisation where we will be able to help each other through research and reports."
Bell said, "A consumer should keep himself updated with as much information as possible.”