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From Corporate Social Responsibility to Consumer Social Responsibility: Can the New CSR Framework Deliver More for Consumers?

From Corporate Social Responsibility to Consumer Social Responsibility: Can the New CSR Framework Deliver More for Consumers?

by | Sep 28, 2026 | Leaders speak

From Corporate Social Responsibility to Consumer Social Responsibility: Can the New CSR Framework Deliver More for Consumers?

The Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on 27 May 2026, have introduced a new route for CSR deployment through Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments issued by eligible not-for-profit organisations on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE).

The amendment permits companies to use up to 10% of their total CSR expenditure in a financial year for subscription to such instruments. The framework is intended to provide a more structured and transparent channel for funding social-impact initiatives. But there is a larger question that deserves attention:

Can we move from Corporate Social Responsibility to Consumer Social Responsibility?

The Consumer.

Every individual is a consumer of products, services, healthcare, financial services, digital platforms, utilities and public-facing systems, therefore, strengthening consumer awareness, protection and empowerment can also create significant and measurable social impact.

What could Consumer-focused CSR look like?

The new CSR architecture provides an opportunity to think beyond conventional funding models and consider projects where the end beneficiary is clearly identifiable as the consumer.

For example:

1. Consumer awareness and education

CSR funding could support large-scale programmes that help consumers understand:

  • their rights and responsibilities;
  • product labels and claims;
  • food and nutrition information;
  • warranties and guarantees;
  • digital commerce and online fraud risks;
  • financial products and services;
  • healthcare bills and hospital charges; and
  • mechanisms for resolving consumer grievances.

Consumer education is not merely awareness-building. It is an investment in better decision-making.

2. Healthcare transparency

Healthcare is one of the areas where consumers often face an information imbalance.

CSR-supported initiatives could help create greater awareness around:

  • patient rights;
  • transparent hospital billing;
  • itemised bills;
  • understanding medical and diagnostic charges;
  • grievance-redressal mechanisms; and
  • access to reliable information before making healthcare decisions.

Recent discussions around standardised hospital billing and patient rights demonstrate how transparency can directly affect the consumer. The objective should not simply be to tell consumers that they have rights, but to give them the information and tools necessary to exercise those rights.

3. Consumer grievance redressal

A consumer right is meaningful only when there is an accessible mechanism to enforce it.

CSR can potentially support consumer help desks, awareness centres, digital grievance platforms, legal literacy programmes and community-level assistance mechanisms—particularly for consumers who may otherwise lack the resources or knowledge to pursue a legitimate grievance.

4. Independent product and service information

Consumers increasingly have access to thousands of products and services but often lack independent comparative information.

There is therefore a strong social case for supporting initiatives involving:

independent testing + consumer education + transparent information.

The objective is not to promote one brand over another, but to enable consumers to make informed choices based on credible evidence.

5. Digital consumer empowerment

The consumer ecosystem is rapidly becoming digital.

CSR could support programmes addressing:

  • online shopping risks;
  • dark patterns and misleading interfaces;
  • digital payment awareness;
  • data privacy;
  • online fraud prevention;
  • responsible use of digital platforms; and
  • awareness of consumer rights in the digital marketplace.

This is particularly relevant as millions of consumers move from traditional markets to digital commerce.

The Social Stock Exchange could add another layer of accountability

One of the important features of the new framework is the connection between CSR funding and the Social Stock Exchange.

The SSE framework provides a regulated structure for eligible not-for-profit organisations to raise funds and make disclosures. The MCA has specifically recognised subscription to ZCZP instruments on the Social Stock Exchange as a permissible CSR activity.

This creates an opportunity to move the CSR conversation from:

“How much did we spend?”

to:

“What changed because we spent it?”

That distinction is important.

A consumer-focused CSR project should ideally be able to demonstrate measurable outcomes such as:

  • number of consumers educated;
  • number of grievances assisted;
  • number of consumers reaching a formal redressal mechanism;
  • increase in awareness levels;
  • number of communities covered;
  • number of consumers benefiting from independent information; and
  • measurable improvements in consumer capability and decision-making.

Perhaps the next evolution of CSR is therefore not simply to ask:

“Where should CSR money go?”

but:

“What measurable change can CSR create in the lives of consumers?”

That is a conversation worth having.

A consumer who understands a product, questions an unfair charge, recognises a misleading claim, knows how to raise a grievance and can access an effective redressal mechanism is not merely a better-informed customer.

That is an empowered citizen……

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by | Sep 19, 2026 | media

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India Today discussion on hospital consumable pricing

INDIA TODAY · 16 September 2026

Hospital Bill Markups: Consumable Pricing

Consumer VOICE COO Abhijeet Bose joins Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan to discuss hospital consumable costs and pricing transparency.

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Empowering University Students in Gorakhpur to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms

Empowering University Students in Gorakhpur to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms

by | Sep 14, 2026 | zero-irresponsible-drinking

Empowering University Students in Gorakhpur to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms

A comprehensive youth awareness workshop on “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms Among Youth – Awareness and Protection among University Students” was organized on 21 August 2026 at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University (DDU), Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, by Consumer VOICE with the support from Consumer Guild, Lucknow, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University.

The workshop brought together university faculty, students, police personnel, legal experts, psychologists, road-safety professionals and representatives of civil society to sensitize young people about the health, psychological, social, legal and road-safety risks associated with irresponsible alcohol consumption, binge drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol. The programme focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, responsible decision-making, mental well-being, road safety, legal awareness and greater social responsibility among university students. 

The programme was presided over by Prof. Chandrashekhar, Dean and Head of the concerned Department, Faculty of Law, DDU Gorakhpur University.

Ms. Nilanjana Bose from Consumer VOICE contributed to the awareness programme, highlighting the importance of sustained consumer and youth awareness regarding alcohol-related harms, responsible choices, and public safety. She emphasized on the importance of responsible drinking and the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Through her presentation she also spoke about ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and shared data on alcohol consumption in the state of UP.

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Prof. Anubhuti Dubey, Dean, Student Welfare and Professor of Psychology, highlighted the psychological and behavioural dimensions of excessive alcohol consumption and its possible impact on emotional well-being, academic performance, relationships, decision-making and social functioning. She encouraged students to adopt healthy ways of managing stress through sports, physical exercise, yoga, creative activities, hobbies and constructive social engagement.

Shri Manoj Rai, Traffic Inspector, sensitised students about road safety and the serious risks associated with driving after consuming alcohol. He explained that alcohol impairs judgement, concentration, coordination and reaction time and substantially increases the possibility of road crashes, injuries and fatalities. He urged students to strictly avoid driving after consuming alcohol and to encourage their peers to follow safe and responsible road-use practices. Advocate Abhishek Srivastava, Chairman, Consumer Guild and Advocate, High Court, Lucknow, addressed the participants on the legal and consumer-safety dimensions of irresponsible alcohol consumption and drunk driving. He explained the legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and emphasised that responsible behaviour, compliance with applicable laws and informed decision-making are essential for protecting oneself and other road users. 

Advocate Amjad Siddiqui, Advocate, High Court, Lucknow, also sensitised the students on relevant legal issues and the importance of awareness of legal rights and responsibilities. Shri Siddharth Dayal and Prof. Vandana Singh, Faculty of Law, DDU Gorakhpur University, served as the Programme Coordinator and coordinated the academic and institutional arrangements for the workshop.

Shri Om Prakash Mishra, Social Worker, anchored the workshop and facilitated the proceedings and interaction with students. The discussions also highlighted the broader public-health and social concerns related to alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, peer pressure, impaired decision-making, mental well-being, family and social relationships, academic performance and road safety. Participants emphasised that reducing alcohol-related harm requires a comprehensive and sustained approach involving health and psychological awareness, legal literacy, road-safety education, family support, community participation and effective implementation of applicable laws. 

The workshop concluded with a strong call for university students to adopt healthy and responsible lifestyles, avoid drunk driving, resist peer pressure and actively contribute to creating a safer, healthier and more responsible society. The programme reaffirmed the important role of universities, civil society organisations, legal professionals, police authorities, psychologists and youth themselves in preventing alcohol-related harm through continuous awareness, education and collective action.

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Student workshop on reducing alcohol related harms in Jind

Student workshop on reducing alcohol related harms in Jind

by | Sep 13, 2026 | zero-irresponsible-drinking

Student workshop on reducing alcohol related harms in Jind

A special awareness programme on the ill effects of excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption, road safety, healthy lifestyle, yoga and self-discipline was organized on 19 August 2026 at the Auditorium of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University (CRSU), Jind, a Government University of Haryana.

The programme was designed particularly for young people with the objective of creating awareness about the physical, mental, social, family and economic consequences associated with excessive alcohol consumption. A major focus was also placed on preventing drunk driving, promoting road safety, encouraging healthy alternatives such as yoga and meditation, and developing self-discipline and responsible decision-making among young people.

Approximately 304 students participated enthusiastically in the programme. The large and active participation of students demonstrated the relevance of the subject and the willingness of young people to engage in discussions concerning health, addiction prevention, road safety and responsible citizenship.

Objectives of the Programme

The principal objectives of the awareness programme were:

  • To educate young people about the adverse health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.
  • To create awareness regarding the social, family and economic consequences of alcohol abuse.
  • To promote the principle of responsible decision-making among youth.
  • To create awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving.
  • To encourage students to adopt yoga, pranayama, meditation and other healthy activities.
  • To develop a broader understanding that the consequences of alcohol misuse can extend beyond the individual to families and society.

Detailed Program 

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Ram Pal Saini, Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind.

Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that young people constitute one of the greatest strengths and the future of any nation. Prof. Dr. Saini explained that alcohol consumption should not be viewed merely as an individual health issue. Excessive consumption can have wider consequences for families and society. He stressed the importance of self-discipline, positive thinking, healthy living and commitment towards one’s goals in achieving success in life.

He particularly appealed to students never to drive after consuming alcohol and emphasized that road safety cannot be left solely to the police or administration. Every individual has a responsibility to adopt safe behaviour and to discourage friends and family members from driving under the influence of alcohol.

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted that a university is not merely a centre for imparting academic education. It also has an important role in character building, development of social responsibility and promotion of healthy values among young people.

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Participation of Students and Youth

The students participated actively throughout the programme and listened attentively to the presentations and discussions. Interactive sessions provided participants with an opportunity to understand the effects of alcohol from different perspectives, including physical and mental health, family relationships, social behaviour, economic consequences and road safety.

The students also expressed their commitment to staying away from intoxicating substances, avoiding driving after alcohol consumption and adopting healthier and more disciplined lifestyles.

The active participation of the students contributed significantly to the effectiveness and impact of the programme.

Shri Hitesh Hindustani, President of Haryana Technical Association, addressed the gathering and focused on the wider social and economic consequences of alcohol consumption.

He emphasized that excessive consumption can affect not only the individual but also the individual’s family and the wider community.

He stressed that prevention through awareness and responsible choices is essential, particularly among young people who are at an important stage of their educational and professional development.

Ms. Nilanjana Bose, representative of Consumer Voice, Delhi, addressed the participants on the importance of awareness regarding changing patterns of alcohol consumption.

She emphasized the need to develop responsible behaviour and decision-making abilities among young people. She observed that alcohol consumption in some circumstances can move beyond social use towards excessive consumption and intoxication.

Referring to figures attributed to a World Health Organization 2023 report, she stated that reported per-capita alcohol consumption in India had increased from approximately 2.4 litres in 2005 to 4.9 litres in 2023.

She highlighted the importance of helping young people understand the health and social risks associated with alcohol and encouraged them not to consume alcohol merely because of peer pressure or social expectations.

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Dr. Ramesh Panchal, Retired Deputy Civil Surgeon, provided detailed information regarding the physical and mental health consequences associated with excessive and harmful alcohol consumption.

He explained that harmful alcohol use can adversely affect several aspects of an individual’s life, including physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, family relationships and overall quality of life

Dr. Panchal emphasized that awareness should begin at an early stage, particularly among young people, so that unhealthy habits can be prevented before they develop into more serious problems.

Dr. Virender, Department of Yoga, CRSU, spoke about the role of yoga and the Indian tradition of self-control, discipline and balanced living.

He explained that yoga, pranayama and meditation can form important components of a healthy lifestyle and can assist individuals in developing better control over their physical and mental responses.

Poet Ms. Manju Manav presented a meaningful poem highlighting the social and economic circumstances that can arise from excessive alcohol consumption.

ASI Naveen Kumar addressed the participants on the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. He explained that alcohol can adversely affect decision-making ability, reaction time, and judgement. These impairments can substantially increase the risk of road accidents.

He emphasized that drunk driving can put the lives of not only the driver and passengers but also pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists and completely innocent road users at risk. Students were therefore strongly advised never to drive after consuming alcohol. The road-safety message reinforced the concept that responsible behaviour on the road is a fundamental aspect of responsible citizenship.

An important feature of the programme was the interaction between the speakers and the participating students.

The discussions covered the major areas of health and social welfare and understanding of traffic laws on drunken driving. The presence of university authorities, faculty members, health professionals, police representatives, civil society representatives and students provided the programme with a multi-dimensional approach.

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Together Against Food Waste: A Sharing Community in Action

Together Against Food Waste: A Sharing Community in Action

by | Sep 6, 2026 | Gaw 26

Together Against Food Waste: A Sharing Community in Action

Look inside most kitchen bins and you’ll find the same story — half a bowl of dal, vegetables that went soft, rice from two nights ago. None of it was thrown away carelessly. It just quietly added up.

The problem sitting in our kitchens

Food waste rarely feels like waste while it’s happening. We buy a little extra because the pack was cheaper. We cook a little more because guests might come. We push a container to the back of the fridge and forget it exists. One meal at a time, it doesn’t look like much. Over a year, it becomes a serious loss — for the household, and for everyone.

Every item that reaches the bin is money already spent. It is also water, fuel, transport, and the labour of the farmer who grew it. And when food rots in a landfill, it releases gases that warm the planet. So a small habit in one kitchen quietly connects to a very large problem outside it.

The good news

This is one of the few environmental problems you can start fixing today, with your own hands, without buying anything new. It does not need technology or a big budget. It needs a little planning, a little storage sense, and a willingness to share what we cannot finish. Much of it is knowledge our mothers and grandmothers already had — we simply stopped using it.

Simple things you can start :

  • Check before you shop. Look inside the fridge and shelves first, then write a list of what you actually need.
  • Buy loose instead of bulk. A big pack is only cheaper if you finish it.
  • Store food properly. Keep herbs in water, potatoes and onions apart, and leftovers in clear containers at eye level.
  • Follow “first in, first out.” Move older items to the front and use them first.
  • Cook to the number of people eating.
  •  Measure rice and dal instead of guessing.
  • Give leftovers a second life. 
  • Yesterday’s dal becomes a paratha filling. Stale roti becomes churma or croutons.
  •  Vegetable peels make stock.
  • Read dates carefully. “Best before” is about quality, not safety. A lot of good food is thrown out over a misread date.
  • Share the surplus. Extra food from a function or a big cooking day can go to a neighbour, a helper, or a community kitchen instead of the bin.
  • Keep a waste diary for one week. Note what you throw and why. Most families are surprised — and that surprise is where change begins.

A sharing community in action

None of this works well alone. Waste less, share more — and do it together. Through Green Action Week 2026, Consumer VOICE is bringing people into small workshops with women’s groups, consumer communities, and students and young people.

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