India's First Consumer Responsibility Index Launched in Gujarat with High-Level Backing
India's First Consumer Responsibility Index Launched in Gujarat

India's First Consumer Responsibility Index Launched in Gujarat with High-Level Backing

In a significant move to enhance consumer protection, the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Gujarat government, and CARE Edge. This collaboration aims to develop and roll out India's inaugural Consumer Responsibility Index (CRI), marking a pioneering step in evaluating corporate conduct from a consumer rights perspective.

High-Level Support for the Initiative

The MoU was formalized in Ahmedabad in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, among other senior state leaders. This high-level backing underscores the government's commitment to strengthening consumer rights and promoting corporate accountability across industries.

Objectives and Framework of the CRI

According to CERC, the CRI seeks to create a measurable framework to assess how industries treat consumers, addressing a long-standing gap in evaluating corporate conduct. The index will rely on independent and professional assessments to rate businesses on key parameters, including:

  • Transparency in operations and communications
  • Grievance redressal mechanisms and efficiency
  • Ethical standards in business practices
  • Service quality and customer satisfaction

CERC Chairman Sunil Parekh emphasized the initiative's goals, stating, "The objective is to make the framework credible, transparent, and easy for the public to understand, enabling consumers to make informed choices while nudging companies towards higher accountability standards. The index would convert corporate responsibility into a measurable benchmark and empower citizens with greater clarity and confidence in the marketplace."

Broader Consumer Awareness Initiatives

Separately, CERC signed another MoU with the state consumer affairs department to build a comprehensive consumer awareness ecosystem. This initiative includes several key components designed to enhance consumer education and protection:

  1. Youth sensitisation programmes to educate the younger generation about consumer rights and responsibilities.
  2. Support for Cyber Surakshit Gujarat, aimed at improving cybersecurity awareness and protecting consumers from online fraud.
  3. Establishment of conciliation and pre-litigation centres across all districts to make dispute resolution faster and more affordable, reducing the burden on consumers.

These efforts collectively aim to foster a more informed and empowered consumer base in Gujarat, setting a potential model for other states to follow. The launch of the CRI and related initiatives reflects a proactive approach to bridging gaps in consumer protection and promoting ethical business practices nationwide.