40 years of VOICE – The Beginning

There is no particular date on which we launched VOICE in April 1983 at the Delhi School of Economics campus at Delhi University. There was no launch ceremony or event. It was born out of the drafting of a complaint by VOICE signed by me and about 30 of my students. One student took it around and got the signatures. I had been drafting the complaint based on invoices of purchase of 20 inches Colour TVs which were being sold in retail much above the retail price of ₹7500 in the import undertaking given to the Government on import of Kits to assemble the CTVs.

We had been collecting the invoices over previous few weeks. I remember that the complaint was ready to be filed at MRTPC (Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission) around Baisakhi, 13 April 1983. That is the reason I regard Baisakhi of 1983 as founding day of VOICE.

Prior to this I had asked my students in a class on ‘branding’ what name would they give to a Consumer association to be formed to fight for consumer rights? I got about 40 slips. One of these slips had the name – Voluntary organisation in Interest of Consumer Education (VOICE) . I instantly picked this name. Soon a letterhead was created and the complaint to MRTPC was typed on it.

It’s been 40 years since. The Delhi University routine was quite different at Delhi School of Economics where I had been appointed as a Lecturer in Commerce in 1982. I had been working as a Lecturer in Commerce at Bhagat Singh College then located in Govindpuri from 1977 where my focus was on completing my PhD which was awarded in 1980. An 18 hour/ week teaching schedule and PhD research work kept me busy at the college. However, with a shift to the main University campus my teaching load was relatively lesser and gave me relatively more time to read and write. My interest in consumer movement was kindled reading a marketing text book by Stanton which I was using to teach a Marketing paper to M.Com students as a part of my job. It traced the impact of the US Consumer Movement on the US consumer and retail markets and B2C corporations and brands. It had led me to ask the question ‘Why can’t we have a similar movement in India?’ I had discovered a provision in the MRTP Act, 1969 which allowed an unincorporated Voluntary Consumer Association to file a complaint against businesses for restrictive trade practices. I had drafted the complaint based on over charging consumers on sale of CTVs in violation of undertakings given by heading brands like Weston , Dyanora, Dynavision , BPL etc at time of import of kits. Most of this information had been culled out of un-stared questions drafted by me and filed by some BJP MPs in Lok Sabha with whom I had close links in those days due to my past association with ABVP.

This complaint was filed shortly thereafter at the MRTPC located at Travancore House. An investigation ensued. MRTPC issued notice to Bharat TV and 43 other assemblers and dealers named in preliminary investigation report prepared by DG (I&R) in early 1984. This case number 183 of 1984 VOICE vs Bharat TV & 43 others kept me busy for more than a decade. We won the case over a decade later but that is another story.

Prof Shri Ram Khanna

Chief Editor

Loading

All Editorials

Unmasking Air Pollution’s Impact on Pulmonary Health

Over the past few decades, air pollution and climate change have become major global concerns. Air pollution has many detrimental effects that pose a threat to global public health in terms of significant disease burden as well as mortality. It is disturbing that...

Cracking Cheese Codes: Healthy Choices, Labels, and Storage Tips

Cheese is a creamy, tangy, versatile delight that can elevate any dish and melt our hearts and taste buds in seconds. However, it is often thought to have negative effects on our health. With a little mindfulness, you can make healthier choices when it comes to this...

Navigating AI Influence: Consumer Caution Ahead

In the modern digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful force influencing consumer decisions. AI algorithms leverage vast data to grasp consumer behaviour and preferences, fuelling personalized recommendations and targeted advertising. In the realm...

Navigating the Web: A Consumer’s defence Against Dark Patterns

Consumers are finding themselves in a wide online landscape in an era of digital convenience. Although there are many advantages of the internet, it is important to stay vigilant against such practices commonly referred to as dark patterns. These subtle design choices...

Portion Smart: Eating Foods, the Right Way

Imagine a bag of chips. The label might list a serving size as 28 grams, but let's be honest, who stops at just that? That's where portion size comes in. It's the amount of food you choose to eat, which can be more or less than a serving size. Think of a serving size...

A continuous surge in antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the 21st-century global public health problem. AMR occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial medicines. Because of the high rate of antibiotic overuse that leads to...

NutriBars Decoded: Making Informed Choices

As I navigated the bustling supermarket aisles, my attention was drawn to the vibrant array of NutriBars lining the shelves. Each bar boasted enticing claims, from "high protein" to "low sugar”, but the sheer variety and conflicting messages left me feeling...

Food Contact Materials and Your Health: Tips for a Safer Approach

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a strong advisory urging both consumers and food vendors to refrain from using newspapers in any capacity related to packing, serving, or storing food items. The FSSAI emphasized the potential...

World Diabetes Day 14 th Nov, 2023 – Access to Diabetes Care

Authors: - Dr. Pankaj Bhardwaj (Dr Pankaj Bhardwaj,  Academic Head, School of Public Health (SPH), Professor of Community Medicine & Family Medicine All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur and Dr. Madhukar Mittal (Additional Professor and Head,...

The Emerging Crisis of Antibiotic Resistance

One of the greatest medical discoveries of the 20th century, antibiotics have saved countless lives by efficiently treating bacterial infections around the globe. However, the overuse and abuse of antibiotics have given rise to a formidable adversary, antibiotic...

The Significance of IRR in Investment

Shri Sharad Ranjan and Shri Hariti Tyagi The BackstoryThe relationship manager of a well-established bank reached out to my daughter, who is in the beginning of her twenties, and proposed an investment plan. The investment plan, according to him, is the best...

Sabudana Unveiled: The Tapioca Tale and Beyond

Sabudana holds a special place in the hearts and traditions of millions. These small, translucent globules have become synonymous with fasting seasons in India, particularly during religious festivals like Navratri, Shivaratri, Ekadashi, and Saawan season. During...

Recurrent pregnancy loss

With an increasing number of affected couples, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has become a widespread reproductive health problem. Clinically, it is defined as the loss of three or more pregnancies before the foetus reaches viability. It affects approximately 3...

From Grain to Gain: Mastering the Art of Aata Selection

Are you aware of what goes into that essential ingredient that forms the foundation of countless Indian meals? Yes, we're talking about aata, the versatile flour that brings us the beloved rotis, chapatis, and parathas. But have you ever stopped to consider the...

DNA Fingerprinting: A key to know your ancestry

A new field of study was opened in 1984 when Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys generated the first genetic fingerprint in his lab at the University of Leicester. Talking about his discovery, Sir Alec said, "My life changed on Monday morning at 9.05 am, 10 September 1984....

Decoding the Secrets of Buying the Best Saffron

Did you know that saffron is one of the most expensive spices of the world? It is used in a variety of dishes in India. Its application extends to traditional medicine and cosmetics as well. Also, saffron is an important part of many religious ceremonies in India,...

Rise and decline of the Consumer Movement in India

The consumer movement is an organised social movement that promotes consumer protection and is often led by consumer organisations. It argues for consumer rights, particularly when those rights are actively violated by the activities of corporations, governments, and...

वॉयस की 40वीं सालगिरह

उपभोक्ता शिक्षा और जागरूकता में 40 वर्षों से काम कर रही है कंस्यूमर वॉयस कंस्यूमर वॉयस लगातार 40 वर्षों से उपभोक्ता शिक्षा और जागरूकता के क्षेत्र में संघर्षरत एक स्वयंसेवी संस्था है। वॉयस लगातार भारत में उपभोक्ताओं के लिए उनके उपभोक्ता अधिकारों के संघर्ष कर रही है।...

Buttermilk: A Refreshing Summer Drink

Buttermilk is an excellent summer beverage that is not only refreshing and delicious, but also good for your health. Buttermilk has numerous benefits, including being low in calories and fat, high in protein and calcium, and containing probiotics which can help...

Women’s Health and Nutritional Needs

Every year we observe March 8 as International Women’s Day. According to the Unite Nations, the purpose of this day is to uphold women's achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women's rights and gender equality. The state of women's health...

Makhana: A Superfood for Sure!

Makhana, also known as Foxnut, is a widely consumed snack during fasting in India. It is becoming a popular snack among health-conscious consumers due to its healthier nutrient. Makhana is mixed with different seasoning and flavouring substances, and a range of ready...

Maltodextrin: What is it?

If you go through food labels, you must have come across maltodextrin in the ingredient list. It is a commonly used ingredient in processed packaged foods. Maltodextrin has several applications in the food industry, has some health benefits but it has also been...

Gut Microbiota and Nutrition

Human gut is home to many species of microbes, collectively referred as ‘gut microbiota’. They can be both symbiotic and pathogenic in nature, coexisting together without causing any trouble. Sometimes this balance could be disturbed due to infectious illnesses,...

Choosing Quality Eggs

Eggs are one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods. They are rich in essential micronutrients and provide high-quality protein. There are innumerable benefits of eating eggs regularly. Selection of eggs is simple, but presence of different varieties of eggs in the...

Eat Right Challenge

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has initiated the Eat Right India movement. The movement is based on three key themes, ‘if it’s not safe, it’s not food’ (safe food), ‘food should not only serve the palate but is also meant for body and mind’...

Chocolates: Are they Good or Bad for Health?

Chocolates are either critiqued to have negative impact on health or are portrayed by the marketers to have health benefits especially dark chocolates. The truth is that the composition of every chocolate is different from the other one, and this along with the amount...

Diet Soda: Are they good for your health?

Diet sodas are a popular beverage all over the world, among people of all ages who are anxious to reduce their sugar or calorie intake. Instead of sugar, artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, cyclamates, saccharin, acesulfame-k, or sucralose, are used to sweeten...

State Food Safety Index 2021-22

To encourage States/UTs to improve their performance and work towards establishing a proper food safety ecosystem in their jurisdiction, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) annually for each...

Choosing the Right Cookware and Tableware for Your Home

We take utmost precautions while handling food to prevent contamination or any food hazard. However, have you given a thought about the utensils in which it is cooked, served, or stored? In this article, we will discuss cookware and tableware made from different...

Eat Right India: Steadily Reforming India’s Food Ecosystem

Safe foods and healthy diets are critical in the context of India's rising burden of food borne diseases, under-nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, heart related diseases, etc. According to the...

EatSmart Cities Challenge

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in association with the Smart Cities Mission under the aegis of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently announced the winners of the EatSmart Cities Challenge. The 11 winning cities include...

Stay Healthy This Summer!

Summers are here, and accordingly we must make some dietary changes in this season to adapt to the heat. Summer calls for a diet which helps us to cool down our body temperatures. As temperature rise, we tend to sweat more in summers therefore keeping ourselves...

Reducing Anaemia through Large Scale Food Fortification

Micronutrients are essential to sustain life and for optimal physiological functions. High prevalence of micronutrient deficiency is affecting the lives of more than 2 billion people in the world despite substantial efforts to decrease its prevalence for the past few...

Home Buyers Interests Put Above All

In civil appeal No. 3778 of 2020 in the Supreme Court, the bench of Judges M.R. Shah and B.V. Nagarathna, in case of Amit Katyal V/S Meera Ahuja & others, allowed the withdrawal of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against a builder in an application...

Is Inter-meal Munching a Healthy Habit?

Munching between meals is often seen as an unhealthy habit. Mostly because the snacks we usually munch on are unhealthy and could be high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and low in essential micronutrients. But it is wrong to think that inter-meal munching is a bad...

Testing: Critical for Ensuring Food Safety

Food safety is one of the major determinants of a sound and cohesive healthcare system in a country. As food chains are becoming longer, complex and globalized, contamination of food leading to food borne diseases is a growing concern. Unsafe food not only poses a...

Is Vegan Meat Healthy For You?

Will eating more plant-based or vegan meat benefit both our health and the environment?  This question has been a debatable and an ongoing one. People believe that plant-based meat could be a sustainable answer to global environmental concerns. However, many...

Devising a healthy trans-fat free life

The growing incidence of non-communicable diseases is a wakeup call for us to ensure we create a safer food system and understand why trans fats is a critical challenge for our country, writes Shri Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI.  As the world is advancing and systems are...

A2 Milk: Why you should know more about it?

You might have heard about A2 milk and the claims that it is better than the regular milk (A1 milk) commonly available in the market. Consumer perceives such milk as better option than regular milk. Even A2 ghee too is perceived as healthier. But, what’s the reality?...

Are health drink powders actually good for you?

Intro: India is one of the largest consumer markets for malt-based drinks in the world. Malt-based products are marketed as ‘health drinks’ and are specifically targeted at children, and their parents. They are often marketed as an essential product that provides...

Maximise health by minimising salt, sugar and fat

It is increasingly becoming apparent that high consumption of salt, sugar and fat is one of the prime reasons behind the risk of developing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc writes Shri Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI. Not all fats...

Why hydroponic foods are good for you

Our food systems are constantly evolving every day. Innovations like vegan meats and NutriLock technology are already transforming our food systems.  These innovations not only improve the nutritional adequacy of food, and its taste but also address sensitive issues...

Is your food coming from a hygiene-rated eatery?

Is your food coming from a hygiene-rated eatery? The past 18 months have taught us many things besides cooking. And there we saw, a sharp increase in ordering food online just after the situation started getting better. While cooked food delivered at home has been...

Keep these 5 things in mind while buying jewelry onlinez

Keep these 5 things in mind while buying jewelry onlineWe think we all are aware of the nitty-gritties of buying stuffs online. Sure. We’ve been quite habituated with the techniques of checking different sites for price, quantity, offers etc to ensure the best buy....

Why there is a liking for organic products

Why there is a liking for organic productsWith the greater awareness about the health hazards and the intensity of damage chemical products could cause to the body, consumers got a little push towards the organic products. The transformation of adopting organic...

Sustainable Living with Smart Home Technology

Sustainable Living with Smart Home TechnologyWith global warming on the rise and increasing concerns about our carbon footprint, it is time that we start adopting sustainable means of living. Although we have made leaps in waste management, we are yet to address the...

Top five consumer trends in the post-pandemic world

Top five consumer trends in the post-pandemic worldBy Kapil Makhija, CEO, UnicommerceWhen we thought it’s over, it came back again. Yes, the second wave of Covid cases have shattered our expectations greatly. But all things are not gloomy at this front. As we have...

Enquire Now

    X
    Enquire Now