Embrace the Culture of Zero Irresponsible Drinking

by admin | Jul 10, 2026 | campaigns

Embrace the Culture of Zero Irresponsible Drinking

Objectives

Increase awareness about the health, psychological, social, and legal consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.
Promote responsible decision-making among young adults.
Encourage zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Build awareness about Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and understanding alcohol content across beverages.
Engage educational institutions, public health experts, policymakers, and civil society in promoting evidence-based interventions.
Support safer communities through awareness, prevention, and responsible behaviour.

Vision

We envision a society where young people are empowered with accurate information, make responsible decisions, and contribute to safer roads, healthier communities, and improved public health.
Through awareness, education, and evidence-based support, we aim to reduce the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption and promote a culture of responsibility among India’s youth.

Key Facts at a Glance

Nearly 168 million Indians aged 15 years and above consume alcohol, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
Around 5.2% of India’s population, more than 57 million people are estimated to have harmful or dependent alcohol use, requiring treatment or support.
India’s per capita alcohol consumption has nearly doubled, increasing from 2.4 litres of pure alcohol in 2005 to approximately 4.9 litres in 2023, reflecting changing lifestyles, increasing affordability, urbanisation, and growing social acceptance of alcohol.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), total alcohol consumption among people aged 15 years and above in India was estimated at approximately 4.5 litres of pure alcohol per capita in 2020, demonstrating the continuing public health burden.
Alcohol contributes to approximately 5.1% of the global disease burden and is a major risk factor for liver disease, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, injuries, and road traffic crashes.

Youth and Alcohol: Why It Matters

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol because the brain continues to develop well into the mid-twenties. Early alcohol use can affect learning, memory, decision-making, emotional well-being, and increase the likelihood of future alcohol dependence.

Analysis of NFHS-5 (2019–21) data found that:

10.9% of young men (15–24 years) reported having consumed alcohol, compared with 0.3% of young women.
Although youth alcohol use declined compared with NFHS-4, significant regional disparities remain, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and prevention programmes.
Researchers concluded that strengthening youth-focused education and evidence-based public health policies remains essential to reducing harmful alcohol use among young people.

zero irresponsible drinking infographic2

How Alcohol Affects Driving

Alcohol impairs several critical functions required for safe driving:

Reaction Time: Alcohol slows the brain’s ability to respond to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian crossing the road, sudden braking by another vehicle, or changes in traffic signals.
Coordination: Driving requires precise coordination between the eyes, hands, and feet. Alcohol reduces muscle coordination, making steering, braking, and accelerating less accurate.
Vision: Alcohol can cause blurred vision, reduced peripheral vision, difficulty focusing, and poor night vision, making it harder to judge distances and identify hazards.
Decision-Making: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgement, leading to risky behaviours such as speeding, aggressive driving, overtaking in unsafe conditions, or ignoring traffic rules.
Concentration: Safe driving requires constant attention to multiple factors simultaneously. Alcohol reduces concentration and increases the likelihood of distraction and errors.

Choosing not to drink and drive protects not only yourself but also your passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

The Impact Extends Beyond the Driver

Drunk driving does not only endanger the person behind the wheel. It puts at risk:

Family members and friends travelling with the driver.
Pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road.
Other motorists and passengers.
Emergency responders and communities affected by road crashes.

The consequences can include lifelong disability, emotional trauma, financial hardship, legal penalties, and loss of life.

If you drink, never drive. Plan your journey home before you start drinking.

Consumer VOICE Submits Recommendations on Proposed Insurance Commission Caps

by admin | May 31, 2026 | Insurance

Consumer VOICE Submits Recommendations on Proposed Insurance Commission Caps

Consumer VOICE has submitted detailed recommendations to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regarding the proposed framework on insurance commission caps and distribution reforms.

While appreciating IRDAI’s commitment towards the vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”, Consumer VOICE has expressed concern that broad-based commission caps may unintentionally impact policyholders, particularly first-time buyers, low-income households, and consumers in Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural areas.

The submission highlights that insurance in India continues to be largely advice-driven, where agents and intermediaries play a crucial role in helping consumers understand products, complete documentation, and receive claim support. A sharp reduction in commissions may discourage distribution in underserved markets and reduce access to financial guidance for vulnerable consumers.

How capping insurance commissions could hurt the very consumers it aims to protect

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/how-capping-insurance-commissions-could-hurt-the-very-consumers-it-aims-to-protect/

The recommendations submitted by Consumer VOICE include:

Allowing the existing Expenses of Management (EoM) framework to mature before introducing additional caps
Addressing mis-selling through stronger conduct regulations and suitability requirements rather than blanket commission restrictions
Conducting a structured market study to identify the actual drivers of rising distribution costs

The representation also draws attention to international experiences where excessive restrictions on commissions resulted in an “advice gap”, limiting consumer access to financial advisory support.

Consumer VOICE believes that strengthening consumer protection should go hand-in-hand with maintaining accessibility, affordability, and distribution reach, especially in smaller towns and rural India.

The organisation remains committed to supporting balanced policy reforms that promote transparency, responsible distribution practices, and wider insurance inclusion across the country.

Safe Food, Healthy Lives: Why Food Safety Is a Consumer’s Right

by admin | Mar 14, 2026 | WCRD

Safe Food, Healthy Lives: Why Food Safety Is a Consumer’s Right

A batch of packaged red chilli powder was recalled after it did not comply with food safety regulations.

Recently, food safety authorities destroyed around 1.5 lakh kg of expired packaged food products in Jaipur after discovering a scheme to alter expiry dates and resell them in the market.

Recent developments in India show growing concerns about packaged food safety, including expired products, contamination in spices, adulteration, and inadequate labelling

Every day consumers make numerous food choices from fresh produce to packaged snacks and beverages. Behind each purchase lies a basic thought – Is the food we buy safe to eat and good for our health?

Food safety is not simply a matter of trust between consumers and food companies. It is a fundamental consumer right. The theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 — “Safe Products, Confident Consumers” highlights the importance of ensuring that food products in the market meet strong safety standards and protect consumers from harm.

Safe food is essential not only for consumer confidence but also for protecting public health and the right to a healthy life.

Why Food Safety Matters

Food is the most frequently purchased consumer product and directly affects human health. Unlike many other products, food enters the body and influences nutrition, immunity, and long-term well-being.

When food safety standards are maintained:

Consumers can trust what they eat
Families are protected from foodborne illnesses
Nutritional choices become easier and more informed
The food market becomes more transparent and accountable

However, unsafe food can have serious consequences. Contaminated or poorly handled food can lead to food poisoning, infections, and other health problems. In addition, misleading food claims and poor labelling may cause consumers to unknowingly consume products that are unhealthy.

Ensuring safe food is therefore not just a regulatory responsibility — it is a public health priority.

Safe Food and the Right to Health

The right to safe food is closely connected to the right to health, one of the most basic human rights. Consumers rely on food products every day to maintain their health, energy, and nutrition.

However, modern food systems have changed significantly. The consumption of processed and packaged foods has increased rapidly, and many of these products contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Excessive consumption of such ingredients is linked to rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease.

In this context, food safety goes beyond preventing contamination. It also includes ensuring that consumers receive clear and honest information about what is in their food.

Transparent labelling and responsible food manufacturing practices allow consumers to make healthier dietary choices and protect their long-term health.

Importance of Food Labeling

For packaged foods, labels are the primary source of information for consumers. A well-designed and transparent label can help consumers understand what they are eating and whether the product fits their dietary needs.

Food labels provide important information such as:

Ingredients used in the product
Nutritional value
Allergen warnings
Manufacturing and expiry dates
Storage instructions

However, many food labels are complex or difficult to interpret quickly while shopping. Clear and easy-to-understand labelling systems can help consumers identify foods that contain excessive amounts of salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats.

Better food labelling empowers consumers to make healthier and safer choices for themselves and their families.

How Consumers Can Identify Safe Food Products

While regulators and food companies have the primary responsibility to ensure food safety, consumers can also take simple steps to protect themselves while buying food.

Read Food Labels Carefully

Before purchasing packaged foods, check the ingredient list, nutritional information, and expiry date. This helps consumers understand what the product contains and whether it is safe to consume.

Check Quality and Safety Marks

Look for recognised certification marks or regulatory approvals that indicate compliance with food safety standards.

Be Cautious of Misleading Claims

Terms such as “natural,” “healthy,” or “low fat” may sometimes be used as marketing tools. Consumers should read the full nutritional information rather than relying solely on such claims.

Inspect the Packaging

Avoid purchasing food products with damaged packaging, broken seals, or signs of leakage. Such issues may indicate contamination or improper storage.

Report Unsafe Food Products

If consumers find unsafe or contaminated food products, they should report them to consumer organisations or food safety authorities. Reporting helps prevent similar risks for other consumers.

Every consumer deserves safe food, transparent information, and the right to live a healthy life.

References:

World Consumer Rights Day 2026

by admin | Feb 28, 2026 | WCRD

World Consumer Rights Day 2026

World Consumer Rights Day, observed every year on 15 March, is a powerful reminder of the right every person has to access safe and reliable products, especially when it comes to food — a basic necessity that directly affects health and well-being.

In India, concerns about food safety are significant. Recent consumer surveys show that nearly 38 % of households reported purchasing packaged food products that were contaminated with insects, fungus or other contaminants even within their expiry date, highlighting persistent gaps in quality and supply-chain safety. At the same time, about 84 % of Indian consumers say food safety is a top priority when making food choices, underscoring growing demand for transparency and stringent regulatory oversight in the food market. Strengthening food safety standards, enforcement and consumer awareness is essential to ensure that consumers can buy and eat food with confidence.

Theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2026

This theme of ‘Safe Products, Confident Consumers’ highlights the urgent need to ensure that every product in the marketplace from food and medicines to electronics and digital goods is safe, reliable, and trustworthy.

Why Safe Products, Confident Consumers is Important?

Consumer VOICE believes that product safety is not optional — it is a fundamental consumer right.

Product safety is the basis of a healthy and well-functioning society. Every day, consumers purchase food, electronics, toys, cosmetics, and many other goods with the expectation that they are safe to use. When products meet safety standards, they protect not only individuals but also families, communities, environment, businesses, and the economy at large. However, when safety is compromised, the consequences can be serious and far-reaching.

Unsafe products can cause:

Health risks and injuries
Unsafe products can directly harm consumers. Contaminated food can cause food poisoning and long-term health complications. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions are especially at risk. In severe cases, unsafe products can even lead to disability or death.

Financial losses
Consumers often suffer financial losses when products fail to perform safely or effectively. Medical expenses due to injuries, repair costs for damaged property, and the need to replace defective goods all add to heavy losses.

Environmental harm
Unsafe products can negatively impact the environment. Poor-quality chemicals, improperly manufactured electronics, and hazardous waste materials can pollute air, water, and soil.

On the other hand, when products are safe, consumers feel confident in their choices. They can make purchasing decisions without fear of harm. This confidence strengthens the relationship between buyers and sellers and encourages informed, responsible consumption. Safe products contribute significantly to public health. Safe food reduces disease burden, reliable medicines improve treatment outcomes, and quality consumer goods prevent injuries. In the long run, strong product safety systems reduce healthcare costs and enhance overall societal well-being.

stores in several cities in India have a drop off location for plastic bags. Reuse soda cans, glass jars, old clothes, paper products and recyclabale plastic bags to reduce waste. Upcycle products and use your locality’s upcycling program to do so.

Putting Safe Food at the Heart of Consumer Protection

Food is not just a product as it is directly linked to health, nutrition, and well-being. Under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” ensuring safe food becomes one of the most urgent priorities for consumer protection.

Unsafe or misleading food products can lead to serious public health risks, rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and loss of trust in markets. When food is safe, properly labelled, and transparently marketed, consumers can make informed and confident choices for themselves and their families.

Food choices are daily decisions and they directly affect health, finances, and well-being. When food products are safe, accurately labelled, and responsibly marketed, consumers feel empowered rather than uncertain. Confidence grows when transparency replaces confusion.

Consumers Make Healthier Choices

Clear and transparent labelling allows consumers to quickly understand what they are consuming including sugar, salt, fat, and allergens.

When information is easy to read and truthful:

Parents can choose healthier options for children.
Individuals managing diabetes, hypertension, or allergies can make safer decisions.
Consumers are less influenced by misleading health claims.

Knowledge turns everyday grocery shopping into an informed health decision.

Public Health Risks Decline

Unsafe or misleading food contributes to foodborne illnesses and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). When food safety standards are enforced and labels accurately reflect nutritional content exposure to harmful ingredients is reduced and overconsumption of high-risk nutrients (excess sugar, salt, trans fats) decreases.

Safe food systems protect not just individuals, but entire communities.

Markets Become More Responsible

Strong food safety standards create a level playing field. Responsible businesses are not undercut by unsafe or deceptive competitors.

When regulation and consumer awareness work together:

Manufacturers prioritise quality over shortcuts.
Retailers demand compliant products.
Regulators enforce accountability more effectively.

Responsible markets foster innovation, ethical competition, and long-term sustainability

Through various digital platforms Consumer VOICE educates citizens about:

Product safety standards
Accurate labelling and disclosures
Misleading advertisements
Consumer rights under Indian law

Safe Products create Confident Consumers. Confident Consumers build Fair Markets.

References:

Releted Article:

Safe Food, Healthy Lives: Why Food Safety Is a Consumer’s Right

Digital Justice and Consumer Rights

by admin | Dec 20, 2025 | Guest Column, legal desk

Digital Justice and Consumer Rights

As India celebrates National Consumer Day, 2025, the theme of “Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice” underscores a fundamental truth at the heart of consumer protection: rights matter only when they can be enforced quickly, affordably, and without unnecessary hardship. At its core, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is built on this simple idea—that a consumer should not have to wait years to obtain relief. It places a clear responsibility on the State not merely to recognise consumer rights, but to ensure that these rights are enforced in a meaningful and effective manner.

Chitwan Sharma, Legal Consultant

By its very nature, consumer disputes are high in number, low in individual value and extremely time-sensitive. When resolving disputes drags on for years and demands substantial time and money, the protection of consumer rights becomes little more than an empty promise.

With the rapid rise of consumerism, volume of pending disputes has been steadily increasing. This gap has widened sharply with the rise of digital consumerism. Online shopping, digital payments, app-based services and subscription platforms have multiplied consumer transactions—and with them, disputes. Expecting traditional, physically run courts to absorb this growing volume is simply unrealistic. Courts operate with limited judicial time, fixed infrastructure and heavy backlogs. Judges are also humans after all; there is only so much volume any adjudicatory system can handle before delays become inevitable. In such a system, even a strong legal framework struggles to deliver timely justice.

This is where digital justice becomes the only practical answer. Digital platforms allow consumer disputes to be filed, tracked and resolved without the friction of physical processes. They remove the need for travel, cut down paperwork and reduce procedural delays. More importantly, digital systems are scalable to a much higher volume that any physical court. Unlike physical courts, they can process a much larger number of cases simultaneously, making them better suited to match the pace and volume of modern consumer markets.

Digital Courts also complement the purpose of mediation under the Consumer Protection Act. Most consumer disputes do not require prolonged legal battles; they require quick, fair settlements. Online mediation and settlement mechanisms enable faster resolution, lower costs and better outcomes for both consumers and businesses. This approach focuses on resolution rather than rigid adjudication, which is often more meaningful for everyday consumers.

That being said, India’s digital transition comes with real challenges. Digital access and literacy remain uneven, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups. These gaps cannot be ignored. Digital justice must therefore be supported by assisted access, simplified platforms and hybrid models that help consumers navigate the system.

Looking ahead, the question is not whether digital justice should play a role in consumer protection—it already does. The real challenge is ensuring that digital systems are designed to absorb the scale of consumerism, reduce delays, and stay true to the Act’s original promise: justice that is accessible, timely and effective for every consumer.

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