महाराष्ट्र की ग्राम पंचायत रोहिणी को पहला स्वर्ण पदक पुरस्कार

डिजिटल क्रांति को सुशासन का माध्यम बनाने की पहल धरातल पर यह कहां तक पहुंची है इसकी परख ग्राम पंचायत स्तर पर करने की शुरुआत अब कार्मिक, लोक शिकायत और पेंशन मंत्रालय के प्रशासनिक सुधार और लोक शिकायत विभाग करेगा।महाराष्ट्र की ग्राम पंचायत रोहिणी को पहला स्वर्ण पदक पुरस्कार

पंचायतीराज मंत्रालय के साथ मिलकर वह इस योजना को सिरे चढ़ा रहा है। किन ग्राम पंचायतों ने नागरिकों से जुड़ी सेवाओं को ई-गवर्नेंस माडल अपनाकर गतिशील, पारदर्शी और प्रभावी बनाया इस कसौटी पर देशभर की पंचायतों को कसा गया तो महाराष्ट्र के धुले जिले की आदिवासी बहुल पेसा ग्राम पंचायत रोहिणी इस श्रेणी में पहला स्वर्ण पदक जीतने वाली पंचायत बनी है।

जबकि पश्चिम त्रिपुरा जिले की मजलिशपुर ग्राम पंचायत को रजत पदक तो गुजरात के सूरत की पलसाना और ओडिशा के क्योंझर जिले की सौकती ग्राम पंचायत को ज्यूरी अवार्ड मिले हैं।

ई-गवर्नेंस के माध्यम से सुशासन की स्थिति पर सरकार की नजर

मोदी सरकार अपने 11 वर्ष पूरे होने का जश्न मना रही है। इसी को देखते हुए एक जनवरी, 2025 को निर्णय किया गया कि इस वर्ष प्रशासनिक सुधार एवं लोक शिकायत विभाग पंचायतीराज मंत्रालय के सहयोग से यह भी आकलन करेगा कि सबसे जमीनी स्तर पर नागरिक सुविधाओं के लिए उत्तरदायी ग्राम पंचायतों में ई-गवर्नेंस के माध्यम से सुशासन की क्या स्थिति है। इसके बाद देशभर की पंचायतों का सर्वेक्षण शुरू कर रिपोर्ट तैयार की गई जिसमें महाराष्ट्र की आदिवासी ग्राम पंचायत रोहिणी अपनी चमक-दमक के साथ उभरकर सामने आई है।

लोगों तक मोबाइल फोन से पहुंच रही योजनाओं की जानकारी

सरकार का दावा है कि इस गांव की साक्षरता 45 प्रतिशत है, जबकि डिजिटल साक्षरता 100 प्रतिशत पर पहुंच गई है। यहां नागरिकों से जुड़ीं 1027 सेवाओं को आनलाइन कर दिया गया है और हर घर पंचायत के पोर्टल से जुड़ा है। सरकारी योजनाओं की जानकारी बल्क मैसेज के माध्यम से प्रत्येक मोबाइल धारक तक पहुंचती है। यह महाराष्ट्र की पहली कागज रहित ग्राम पंचायत है। इसी तरह त्रिपुरा की मजलिशपुर पंचायत में शत-प्रतिशत नागरिक सेवाएं आनलाइन हैं।

जन्म-मृत्यु से लेकर दस प्रकार के प्रमाण-पत्र आनलाइन जारी किए जाते हैं। सूरत की पहसाना पंचायत में सेवाएं तो आनलाइन हैं ही, डिजिटल गवर्नेंस का पहलू यह भी है कि पूरी पंचायत में सीसीटीवी कैमरे लगे हैं, जिनकी निगरानी पंचायत कार्यालय और स्थानीय पुलिस थाने से होती है।

बच्चों के लिए स्कूल में कम्प्यूटर लैब, ई-क्लस की सुविधा है। ओडिशा की सौकती ग्राम पंचायत में हर नागरिक सेवा आनलाइन चौबीसों घंटे उपलब्ध है। इन पंचायतों को प्रशासनिक सुधार और लोक शिकायत विभाग द्वारा ई-गवर्नेंस पर आयोजित होने वाले 28वें राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन में इलेक्ट्रानिक्स और सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय के सहयोग से पुरस्कृत किया जाएगा।

    Complained against Afcons Infrastructure by Drashta foundation

    Special Team Report- 11 May 2025

    Afcons Infrastructure company’s crusher plant is challenging the instructions of NGT, Drashta Foundation sent a report to the Nainital administration

    Drashta Foundation has formed a 5-member Central Monitoring Committee and a 3-member local special team to do special study and monitoring of development works, art-culture and tourism in the villages. This team is studying the villages of Uttarakhand. In this context, a basic report is presented on the basis of the complaint of the local people of village Bhorsa.

    Location- Village- Bhorsa, Post Office Amritpur, Tehsil-Haldwani, District-Nainital, Uttarakhand- 263126

    Geographical Area- Bhorsa village is located around 29.22° North latitude and 79.52° East longitude, which is near Haldwani city. This village is located at an altitude of about 424 meters above sea level. It falls in the Bhabhar region, where mountain rivers go underground and reappear in the plains of the Ganges. It is the transition zone between the foothills of the Himalayas and the plains of the Ganges. Rivers like Gaula river flow through this area, which are geographically important.

    Bhorsa village is called the gateway of Kumaon. This village is in the vicinity of Nainital road and Gaula river, which makes it an important link between the hilly areas and plains of Kumaon.

    Distance from the city- Bhorsa gram sabha is 15 kms. north-east of the village on paved and unpaved road.

    Population- There are 119 families in Bhorsa village whose population is around 700.

    What is the problem?

    Afcons Infrastructure Company has illegally set up a crusher plant near a populated area, flouting environmental laws. Jamrani Dam is being constructed 1.5 km away from the populated area. In the process of setting up the stone crusher unit in the Gaula river bed, Afcons Infrastructure Company has clearly violated statutory environmental norms.

    Its operation will undoubtedly increase the already severe noise and air pollution levels, causing unbearable suffering to the villagers. We are currently facing significant difficulties, and the commencement of stone crusher activities will only increase this suffering manifold. We firmly believe that the location of a stone crusher so close to a residential area would be inherently harmful as it would generate inevitable air and noise pollution. Worryingly, the distance between residential houses and the offending stone crusher unit is just a few meters.

    This illegal activity involves hundreds of heavy vehicles, including trucks, dumpers and small commercial vehicles, operating from 4:30 am to midnight. As a result, the 7 km long road connecting Bhorsa gaon to Bhimtal Road has turned into a dangerous state with several large potholes, making it nearly impossible for pedestrians and vehicles alike to pass through. The resulting noise pollution has made it virtually impossible to lead a peaceful life in the area, which is further aggravated by the dangerous levels of air pollution prevailing throughout the day and night.

    Number and health condition of the elderly – Around 190 of them are senior citizens who are already suffering from various ailments including asthma.

    Gram Sabha has not given the No Objection Certificate-

    No objection from local families or landowners is necessary to set up a plant at a distance of 500 meters from the population, but Afcons Infrastructure Company has set up a crusher plant in violation of the rules and regulations of environmental protection. Therefore, the members of the Gram Sabha have not given the No Objection Certificate to Afcons Infrastructure Company.

    Violation of Gram Sabha rights

    The plant set up by Afcons Infrastructure Company without the No Objection Certificate of the Gram Sabha is illegal. And this is a violation of the rights given to the Gram Sabha in Panchayati Raj as per the 11th Schedule of the Constitution.

    Rules for setting up a crusher plant in Uttarakhand-

    -Minimum 500 meters from public religious places, schools, educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, and population.

    -Forest area/sanctuary: More than 1 km.

    -National/State Highway- 200-500 meters.

    -Rivers/water bodies: 500 metres.

    Uttarakhand-specific rules

    Several legal rules and regulations apply to setting up and operating crusher plants under the guidelines of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). These guidelines apply under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and other related laws. Also, NGT orders and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) regulations govern their operations. These regulations are designed to ensure environmental protection, pollution control and sustainable development.

    Himalayan ecology: Uttarakhand has additional restrictions on crusher plants due to the sensitivity of the Himalayan region. For example, no industrial activity can take place in the eco-sensitive zones in Nainital and other hilly areas.

    Plastic Waste Management: The Uttarakhand High Court and UKPCB have imposed strict rules on the disposal of plastic waste, which also apply to crusher plants.

    Organic State: Under the policy to make Uttarakhand an organic state, there is strictness on chemical pollution, which also affects crusher plants.

    Penalties and Penalties

    Non-compliance: Operating without CTE/CTO or environmental clearance can attract a penalty of up to Rs 10 crore and imprisonment of up to 3 years (under the Environment Protection Act, 1986).

    Polluter Pays Principle: Compensation and penalty will have to be paid for environmental damage.

    Plant Closure: Illegal or non-compliant crusher plants can be closed immediately on the orders of NGT and UKPCB.

    Illegal mining and legal action-

    -In 2020, the High Court also banned the issuance of new licenses for stone crushers not meeting the standards.

    -Illegal mining or violation of rules can lead to heavy fines and plant seizure. For example, a fine of Rs 52 lakh was imposed on 4 stone crushers and 2 mining leases in Haldwani.

    Conclusion-

    The sites of the crusher plant set up by Afcons Infrastructure Company have been inspected. The special team has also done video photography of the surrounding areas. Talked to the villagers and also heard their complaints. The special team found that to set up the crusher plant, the company has flouted the guidelines of NGT and UKPCB by ignoring environmental protection.

    Questions based on the report-

    1- Has administrative permission been given to Afcons Infrastructure Company to set up a crusher plant in Bhorsa rural populated area? If given, then…

    2- Has the administration followed the major legal rules and guidelines of (UKPCB) and National Green Tribunal (NGT) for the crusher plant in Uttarakhand?

    3- Has the concerned departments of the administration checked the No Objection Certificate received from the Gram Sabha before giving license and permission to Afcons Infrastructure Company?

    4- Which concerned departmental officers of the administration have inspected the crusher plant of Afcons Infrastructure Company located in Bhorsagaon and checked the mandatory rules for the license?

    5- If the administration has not given permission to Afcons Infrastructure Company to set up a crusher plant in a populated area and river, will the administration take legal action against the company?

     

    Bhorsa Gram Panchayat-Report with complaint

    Rights of Consumers: “Consumer Protection Act, 2019”

    Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is continuously working for consumer protection and empowerment of consumers by enactment of progressive legislations. With a view to modernize the framework governing the consumer protection in the new era of globalization, technologies, e-commerce markets etc. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was repealed and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was enacted.

    The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides for a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at District, State and Central levels commonly known as “Consumer Commissions” for protection of the rights of consumers and to provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer disputes including those related with unfair trade practices. The Consumer Commissions are empowered to give relief of a specific nature and award, wherever appropriate, compensation to consumers.

    Further, in terms of Section 38 (7) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, every complaint shall be disposed of as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made to decide the complaint within a period of three months from the date of receipt of notice by opposite party where the complaint does not require analysis or testing of commodities and within five months if it requires analysis or testing of commodities.

    To serve the interest of speedy justice to the end consumers, Consumer Protection Act, 2019 states that no adjournment shall ordinarily be granted by the consumer commissions unless sufficient cause is shown and the reasons for grant of adjournment have been recorded in writing by the Commission.

    “Unfair trade practice” [Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019] encompasses deceptive methods such as misrepresenting product standards, falsely advertising old goods as new, claiming unverified sponsorship or benefits, offering misleading warranties, misrepresenting prices, or disparaging competitors’ goods or services. These provisions ensure accountability, transparency and fairness, safeguarding consumer interests in a dynamic marketplace.

    Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 defines “misleading advertisement” in relation to any product or service, as an advertisement, which— (i) falsely describes such product or service; or (ii) gives a false guarantee to, or is likely to mislead the consumers as to the nature, substance, quantity or quality of such product or service; or (iii) conveys an express or implied representation which, if made by the manufacturer or seller or service provider thereof, would constitute an unfair trade practice; or (iv) deliberately conceals important information.

    To safeguard consumers from unfair trade practices in e-commerce, the Department of Consumer Affairs has also notified the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These rules, inter-alia, outline the responsibilities of e-commerce entities and specify the liabilities of marketplace and inventory e-commerce entities, including provisions for customer grievance redressal.

    Under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), an executive agency, came into existence on 24.07.2020. It is designed to intervene, to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices and to initiate class action(s), including the enforcement of recalls, refunds and return of products. Its core mandate is to prevent and regulate false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the public interest.

    The CCPA has issued 325 notices for violation of consumer rights, misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices etc. The CCPA has also imposed total penalties amounting to Rs. 1.19 cr.  so far.

    The CCPA has notified the “Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022” on 9th June, 2022. These guidelines inter-alia provide for; (a) conditions for an advertisement to be non-misleading and valid; (b) certain stipulations in respect of bait advertisements and free claim advertisements; and, (c) duties of manufacturer, service provider, advertiser and advertising agency. These guidelines states that due diligence is required for endorsement of advertisements such that any endorsement in an advertisement must reflect the genuine, reasonably current opinion of the individual, group or organisation making such representation and must be based on adequate information about, or experience with, the identified goods, product or service and must not otherwise be deceptive.

    Further to strengthen consumer protection, the CCPA enacted the “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024” (effective 15th October 2024), mandating transparency in environmental claims, and the “Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024” (effective 13th November 2024), addressing false claims, exaggerated success rates, and unfair practices in coaching institutes.

    The CCPA issued the “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023” on 30th November, 2023. These guidelines address and regulate 13 specific dark patterns identified in the e-commerce sector, aiming to prevent deceptive practices that mislead consumers.

    Moreover, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced the framework on ‘Online Consumer Reviews — Principles and Requirements for their Collection, Moderation, and Publication’ on 23rd November 2022. This framework safeguards consumer interests by addressing fake and deceptive reviews in e-commerce. While the standards are voluntary, they apply to all online platforms that publish consumer reviews and are guided by principles such as integrity, accuracy, privacy, security, transparency, accessibility and responsiveness.

    The Department of Consumer Affairs has been generating consumer awareness by undertaking country-wide multimedia awareness campaigns under the aegis of “Jago Grahak Jago” to reach out to every consumer across the country by utilizing traditional media like All India Radio, Doordarshan, fairs & festivals, etc. as well as social media. Through simple messages and jingles, consumers are made aware about the consumer rights, unfair trade practices, consumer issues and the mechanism to seek redressal. The Department has also been releasing grant-in-aid to States/UTs for generating consumer awareness at local level.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri B.L. Verma in a written reply today in the Lok Sabha.

    Justice BR Gavai will be the 52nd CJI of the country, President Draupadi Murmu approved

    -Justice Gavai, who is currently serving as a judge of the Supreme Court, will assume his new role from May 14.

     New Delhi. Justice BR Gavai will become the 52nd Chief Justice of the country. President Draupadi Murmu has approved this. Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai will take oath as the Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025 and take office. Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal gave this information by posting on X.

    President Draupadi Murmu has approved Justice BR Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. He will take office on May 14. Regarding this, Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal posted on the social media platform X and said that this appointment has been made under the powers vested by the Constitution of India. Justice Gavai will assume his new role from May 14, who is currently serving as a judge of the Supreme Court.

    Current CJI Sanjiv Khanna will retire on May 13

     Current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sanjiv Khanna will retire on May 13. BR Gavai will hold the post of CJI for about 6 months, as he will retire in November 2025. Justice BR Gavai has been part of the 5-judge Constitution Bench, which upheld the decision to repeal the provisions of Article 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir in December 2023.

     Introduction of Justice BR Gavai

     Justice BR Gavai was born on 24 November 1960 in Amravati, Maharashtra. He started practicing law in the Bombay High Court in the year 1987. He has worked with former Advocate General and High Court Judge Late Raja S. Bhonsale. He was appointed Assistant Government Advocate and Additional Government Prosecutor in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court in August 1992. In the year 2000, he became Government Advocate and Government Prosecutor.

     Justice Gavai has taken part in many important and landmark judgements during his tenure in the Supreme Court. Below are some of his major judgements:

     Validating Demonetisation (2016):

     Justice Gavai was part of the five-judge Constitution Bench in January 2023, which by a majority of 4:1, upheld the decision of the Central Government to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. He said that the decision was taken after consultation between the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India and it meets the ‘proportionality test’.

     Supporting the repeal of Article 370:

     In December 2023, Justice Gavai was part of the five-judge Constitution Bench, which unanimously upheld the decision of the Central Government to repeal the provisions of Article 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

     Declaring Electoral Bond Scheme unconstitutional:

     Justice Gavai was part of the Constitution Bench that struck down the Electoral Bond Scheme for political funding. The judgment sparked significant debate over transparency in political funding.

     Ban on Bulldozing Action:

     In November 2024, a two-judge bench headed by Justice Gavai criticised the practice of bulldozing the properties of accused or convicts without due process of law. He termed it unconstitutional and said that it is mandatory to give notice and at least 15 days’ time before demolishing any property.

     Sub-classification and Creamy Layer in SC/ST Quota:

    Justice Gavai supported the judgment allowing sub-classification for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). He said that true equality requires the identification of ‘creamy layer’ in these communities. He compared it to the struggle for a seat in the general coach of a train.

     Stamp Act Judgement:

    Justice Gavai was part of a seven-judge bench that unanimously ruled that agreements with unstamped or insufficient stamps are not admissible under the Stamp Act. If the stamp duty is not paid, the agreement will be deemed invalid.

     Environmental Protection:

    Justice Gavai said in an environment-related case that “development is necessary, but the price of it cannot be the destruction of nature.” This judgment came when the government transferred forest land for industrial projects.

    Hyderabad Forest Protection:

    Justice Gavai took a tough stand in the case of destruction of 100 acres of forest in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, which promoted environmental protection. These judgments reflect Justice Gavai’s balanced and influential approach to constitutional, social, and environmental issues. His judgments have not only set legal precedents but also strengthened social justice and democratic values.

    उपभोक्ताओं के अधिकार “उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अधिनियम, 2019”

    भारतीय उपभोक्ताओं के अधिकार “उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अधिनियम, 2019” के तहत परिभाषित किए गए हैं। यह अधिनियम उपभोक्ताओं को विभिन्न अधिकार प्रदान करता है ताकि वे अनुचित व्यापार प्रथाओं और शोषण से सुरक्षित रहें। नीचे इन अधिकारों को संक्षेप में बताया गया है:

    सुरक्षा का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को उन वस्तुओं और सेवाओं से सुरक्षा का अधिकार है जो उनकी जान, स्वास्थ्य या संपत्ति के लिए हानिकारक हो सकती हैं। उदाहरण के लिए, घटिया गुणवत्ता वाले उत्पादों से बचाव।

    सूचना का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को किसी भी वस्तु या सेवा की गुणवत्ता, मात्रा, शुद्धता, मानक और कीमत के बारे में पूरी जानकारी प्राप्त करने का अधिकार है ताकि वे सोच-समझकर निर्णय ले सकें।

    चयन का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को विभिन्न विकल्पों में से अपनी पसंद की वस्तु या सेवा चुनने का अधिकार है। इसका मतलब है कि उन्हें एकाधिकार या सीमित विकल्पों के लिए मजबूर नहीं किया जा सकता।

    सुनवाई का अधिकार: अगर उपभोक्ता को कोई शिकायत है, तो उसे उचित मंच (जैसे उपभोक्ता अदालत) पर अपनी बात रखने और निष्पक्ष सुनवाई का अधिकार है।

    निवारण का अधिकार: उपभोक्ता को अनुचित व्यापार प्रथाओं या दोषपूर्ण वस्तुओं/सेवाओं के खिलाफ मुआवजे या नुकसान की भरपाई का अधिकार है। इसमें सामान बदलवाना, पैसे वापस लेना या हर्जाना शामिल हो सकता है।

    उपभोक्ता शिक्षा का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को अपने अधिकारों और जिम्मेदारियों के बारे में जागरूक होने और शिक्षित करने का अधिकार है ताकि वे शोषण से बच सकें।

    कुछ महत्वपूर्ण बातें:

    उपभोक्ता शिकायत निवारण: उपभोक्ता अपनी शिकायत जिला, राज्य या राष्ट्रीय उपभोक्ता आयोग में दर्ज कर सकते हैं, जो शिकायत के मूल्य और क्षेत्र के आधार पर काम करते हैं।

    उदाहरण: अगर कोई दुकानदार गलत कीमत वसूलता है या नकली सामान बेचता है, तो उपभोक्ता इसके खिलाफ कार्रवाई कर सकता है।

      उपभोक्ताओं के अधिकार

      भारतीय उपभोक्ताओं के अधिकार “उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अधिनियम, 2019” के तहत परिभाषित किए गए हैं। यह अधिनियम उपभोक्ताओं को विभिन्न अधिकार प्रदान करता है ताकि वे अनुचित व्यापार प्रथाओं और शोषण से सुरक्षित रहें। नीचे इन अधिकारों को संक्षेप में बताया गया है:
      1. सुरक्षा का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को उन वस्तुओं और सेवाओं से सुरक्षा का अधिकार है जो उनकी जान, स्वास्थ्य या संपत्ति के लिए हानिकारक हो सकती हैं। उदाहरण के लिए, घटिया गुणवत्ता वाले उत्पादों से बचाव।
      2. सूचना का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को किसी भी वस्तु या सेवा की गुणवत्ता, मात्रा, शुद्धता, मानक और कीमत के बारे में पूरी जानकारी प्राप्त करने का अधिकार है ताकि वे सोच-समझकर निर्णय ले सकें।
      3. चयन का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को विभिन्न विकल्पों में से अपनी पसंद की वस्तु या सेवा चुनने का अधिकार है। इसका मतलब है कि उन्हें एकाधिकार या सीमित विकल्पों के लिए मजबूर नहीं किया जा सकता।
      4. सुनवाई का अधिकार: अगर उपभोक्ता को कोई शिकायत है, तो उसे उचित मंच (जैसे उपभोक्ता अदालत) पर अपनी बात रखने और निष्पक्ष सुनवाई का अधिकार है।
      5. निवारण का अधिकार: उपभोक्ता को अनुचित व्यापार प्रथाओं या दोषपूर्ण वस्तुओं/सेवाओं के खिलाफ मुआवजे या नुकसान की भरपाई का अधिकार है। इसमें सामान बदलवाना, पैसे वापस लेना या हर्जाना शामिल हो सकता है।
      6. उपभोक्ता शिक्षा का अधिकार: उपभोक्ताओं को अपने अधिकारों और जिम्मेदारियों के बारे में जागरूक होने और शिक्षित करने का अधिकार है ताकि वे शोषण से बच सकें।
      कुछ महत्वपूर्ण बातें:
      • उपभोक्ता शिकायत निवारण: उपभोक्ता अपनी शिकायत जिला, राज्य या राष्ट्रीय उपभोक्ता आयोग में दर्ज कर सकते हैं, जो शिकायत के मूल्य और क्षेत्र के आधार पर काम करते हैं।
      • उदाहरण: अगर कोई दुकानदार गलत कीमत वसूलता है या नकली सामान बेचता है, तो उपभोक्ता इसके खिलाफ कार्रवाई कर सकता है।
      The rights of Indian consumers are defined under the “Consumer Protection Act, 2019”. This act provides various rights to consumers so that they are protected from unfair trade practices and exploitation. These rights are briefly explained below: Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be protected from goods and services that may be harmful to their life, health or property. For example, protection from substandard products. Right to Information: Consumers have the right to be fully informed about the quality, quantity, purity, standard and price of any goods or services so that they can make an informed decision. Right to Choose: Consumers have the right to choose the goods or services of their choice from a variety of options. This means that they cannot be forced into monopolistic or limited choices. Right to be Heard: If a consumer has a complaint, he has the right to present his case at the appropriate forum (such as a consumer court) and get a fair hearing. Right to Redressal: A consumer has the right to seek compensation or damages against unfair trade practices or defective goods/services. This may include replacement of goods, refund or compensation. Right to consumer education: Consumers have the right to be aware and educated about their rights and responsibilities so that they can avoid exploitation. Some important points: Consumer grievance redressal: Consumers can file their complaints with the District, State or National Consumer Commission, depending upon the value and area of ​​complaint. Example: If a shopkeeper charges wrong price or sells fake goods, the consumer can take action against him.

      If the villages were self-sufficient, the Prime Minister would not have to apologize

      Ravikant Singh
      Monday, 30 March 2020

      “Frustration and disappointment have surrounded the mind of the Prime Minister. Is the Corona pandemic the reason for this frustration and despair? Or the needs of the public, which the Prime Minister has proved incapable of fulfilling. “

      “The whole world is suffering with Corona virus and people are fighting for life and death. And the citizens are following the orders of their respective governments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is speaking at the event. The citizens of the country have been listening and believing in his’ Mann Ki Baat ‘since the beginning. But the Prime Minister never listened to the ‘jan ki baat’. It is alleged that the medium of delivering ‘Jan Ki Baat’ is occupied by Prime Minister Modi.

      The allegation can also be considered true because BJP MPs do not question the Prime Minister in Parliament. The MPs who have been elected by the people to raise their voice in Parliament have only been giving consent to the good and bad decisions of the government. The MPs do not have their own vision related to rural development. While two thirds of the MPs are not only from rural background but are elected by the voters of rural areas. The media doing ‘Jan Ki Baat’ remained serious about sponsored news and nonsense most of the time, so that the Prime Minister’s’ Mann Ki Baat ‘does not become ineffective on the public.

      Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke about it in his’ Mann Ki Baat ‘radio programme. “The Corona crisis is a global crisis. In such a situation, it would not be appropriate for me to say anything more. But first of all, I want to apologize to all the countrymen. And my soul says you will forgive me. Because decisions have to be made. Due to which many problems have to be faced. “

      The above shows that frustration and despair have gripped the mind of the Prime Minister. Is the Corona pandemic the reason for this frustration and despair? Or the needs of the public, which the Prime Minister has proved incapable of fulfilling. So many sins were committed in the country, but till today the Prime Minister has not been seen apologizing to the ‘seer’. The Prime Minister is wise, he must have realized that the government disorder during the lockdown has directly wounded the hearts of the poor hardworking labourers. It is in the government’s interest to apologise to them. Therefore, the Prime Minister said, “I especially apologise to my poor brothers.

      In the name of rural development, Prime Minister Modi’s’ Mann Ki Baat ‘proved to be meaningless in the same way that he made the public ring the bell and beat the plate to end Corona. However, now is not the time for these useless things. The fact is that the situation looks unusual. And the Prime Minister has also said that the situation is going to be serious for many days to come.

      The ‘seer’ is talking about ‘time’. This includes’ Mann Ki Baat “and ‘Jan Ki Baat.” Despite the fact that there is enough food to feed every person in the world, one out of every nine people today goes hungry. Two-thirds of these vulnerable people live in Asia. If we do not think deeply about the world’s food and agricultural systems, it is estimated that by 2050, the number of hungry people worldwide will reach two billion. Worldwide, the number of undernourished people in the developing world has declined by nearly half since 1990. From 23. 3% in 1990-1992, it came down to 12. 9% in 2014-2016. But 79.5 crore people are still undernourished.

      Agriculture is the single largest employer in the world.

      The burden of hunger is still the highest in South Asia. 1 crore undernourished people comprise 40% of India’s population. How we grow and eat our food has a profound effect on hunger levels, but it doesn’t end there. If done right, agriculture and forests can be good sources of income for the world’s population, drivers of rural development, and our protectors against climate change.

      Agriculture is the single largest employer in the world, employing 40% of the world’s population and 54. 6% of the total workforce in India. Despite providing employment to more than half of the country’s population, the agriculture sector contributes only 15% to India’s GDP. The Government of India has given priority to strengthening agriculture by taking steps in terms of irrigation, crop insurance and better varieties.

      The Government of India shares this information with the whole world. But this is only a paper fact, the practical truth is far from the objectives. If the continuous migration from the villages to the cities was the priority of the government, then the workers would not have gathered on the streets of Ghaziabad to die of an epidemic like Corona. He earned his living by farming and working as a labourer. And the rich don’t insult their goodness by donating a few rupees. To bring the rich from abroad, the country’s government deploys all the forces and the poor laborer is forced to walk hundreds of kilometers to go home in his own country. Perhaps, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is frustrated and frustrated by this mess.

      The Government has pledged to eradicate hunger by 2030 and provide access to safe, nutritious and adequate food throughout the year to all people, especially the poor and those living in conditions of destitution, including infants.

      The ‘seer’ does not want to talk negative at all. The Government of India can achieve the above target even before 2030. Its only condition is that the government should strengthen the ‘Panchayati Raj’ system. Otherwise, the government will not be able to achieve the above targets in the stipulated time. The Panchayati Raj system is a reflection of Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Gram Swaraj. The ‘Panchayati Raj’ system aimed at making the villages self-reliant is the heartbeat of the country.

      Apart from ‘Mann Ki Baat, “Prime Minister Modi has not been able to end the corruption of Panchayati Raj in practicality. Panchayati Raj is a decentralized system of all-round development. In Panchayati Raj, the responsibility has been given to the villages to make their arrangements according to their needs. In 1992, by the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution, the three-tier Panchayat was given the status of a constitutional institution. It broadly said that the people of the village would prepare development plans according to their needs. The government will provide financial assistance for the development works. But selfish corrupt officials have been running the government system in their own way so far.

      India is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 360 million young people between the ages of 10 and 24. It is on the use of this demographic dividend that the creation of a prosperous and vibrant future for the country depends. The labour force in India is projected to grow by over 8 million every year and the country will need to create 28 crore jobs between now and 2050, but India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio of just 23% in higher education is one of the lowest in the world.

      Agriculture employs 54. 6% of the total labour force in India and the contribution of agriculture sector to GDP is only 15%. This means that the focus of the governments is not on agriculture and farmers. Ignoring such institutions that touch the pulse of the country and lack of awareness among the parliamentarians are the major obstacles to all-round development. How does the Panchayati Raj system work? For what purposes did the revolutionary leaders structure it? What is the role of the government in Panchayati Raj? The government never took these questions seriously to demonstrate the practicality of the answers to them to the workers and farmers. As a result of which he is apologizing to the poor people in the time of trouble in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Had Prime Minister Modi talked about ‘jan ki baat’, there would have been no need to apologise.

      There is still time Prime Minister, let the villagers make plans and policies according to the needs of the village. Decentralizing the administrative system by freeing the Gram Panchayat from unnecessary bureaucratic machinery and shifting the focus of development from the cities to the villages will serve the purpose of some of the major programs of the government like National Skill Development Mission, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana, National Service Scheme and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. If migration stops and Goa becomes self-reliant, India can also achieve the goal of a $5 trillion economy.

      Inequality in India: A Persistent Challenge

      India, a nation of remarkable diversity and rapid economic growth, grapples with deep-rooted inequality that spans economic, social, and gender dimensions. Despite significant progress in poverty reduction and development since independence, disparities in wealth, opportunities, and access to resources remain stark. This essay explores the nature of inequality in India, its underlying causes, government efforts to address it, and the path forward to create a more equitable society.

      The Scope of Inequality

      Economic inequality in India is striking. Reports indicate that the richest 1% of the population controls over 58% of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom 50% struggle with limited economic mobility. The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23 reveals a significant rural-urban divide, with urban per capita expenditure (Rs. 6,459) far exceeding rural levels (Rs. 3,773). Social inequalities, rooted in caste, religion, and regional disparities, further complicate the picture. For instance, marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes and Tribes often face systemic exclusion from quality education and employment. Gender inequality adds another layer, with women experiencing lower workforce participation—only about 25% compared to 53% for men—and higher school dropout rates, as highlighted by UNICEF India.

      Causes of Inequality

      Several factors drive this pervasive inequality. Historical legacies, such as the caste system and colonial policies, have entrenched social hierarchies that persist today. Economic liberalization since the 1990s has spurred growth but disproportionately benefited the wealthy, widening the income gap. Structural issues, including inadequate access to education and healthcare, particularly in rural areas, perpetuate disparities. For example, while urban areas boast advanced medical facilities, rural regions often lack basic health infrastructure. Additionally, unequal land ownership and limited support for small farmers exacerbate rural poverty, while urban-centric policies neglect the agrarian majority.

      Government Efforts to Combat Inequality

      The Indian government has launched numerous initiatives to address these disparities. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, employing millions and reducing poverty in some areas. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has opened over 377 million bank accounts, enhancing financial inclusion, especially for women. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provide credit to small entrepreneurs, while health programs like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) aim to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses. These efforts reflect a commitment to inclusive growth, yet their impact varies. MGNREGA, for instance, has bolstered rural incomes but struggles to bridge the urban-rural divide, while PMJDY’s success in account creation has not fully translated into wealth equality.

      Challenges and Limitations

      Despite these interventions, inequality persists due to implementation gaps and structural barriers. The Commitment to Reduce Inequality Index ranks India 147 out of 157 nations, signaling deficiencies in social spending and labor rights. Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and uneven policy execution often dilute the effectiveness of schemes. Moreover, the focus on economic growth has sometimes overshadowed equity, leaving marginalized groups—such as women, rural dwellers, and lower castes—behind. The urban bias in development policies further widens the gap, as rural infrastructure and education lag significantly.

      The Path Forward

      To effectively combat inequality, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach. First, progressive taxation, such as a wealth tax on the ultra-rich, could generate funds for universal education and healthcare, reducing disparities in access. Second, empowering women through education and workforce participation could unlock substantial economic potential, with the IMF estimating a 27% GDP boost if gender parity in employment is achieved. Third, agricultural reforms, including support for farmer producer organizations and better market access, would uplift rural incomes. Finally, deepening democracy and decentralization can amplify the voices of marginalized communities, ensuring policies reflect their needs.

      Priority to equality

      Inequality in India is a formidable challenge, woven into the fabric of its history and amplified by modern economic trends. While government programs like MGNREGA and PMJDY have made strides, their impact remains limited without systemic reforms. As India strides toward becoming an economic powerhouse, it must prioritize equity alongside growth. Only through targeted policies, robust implementation, and societal commitment can the nation bridge its divides, ensuring prosperity is shared by all its people. The journey to equality is long, but with concerted effort, India can transform its diversity into a strength rather than a source of disparity.