CGSI (1966-2017) : 51 years in the service of

consumers
[1] The Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI) is the first and foremost consumer
body of the country. CGSI, which was founded in 1966. It aims to protect the rights of
consumers, who find themselves helpless whenever they were supplied with defective goods
or services.[1]

[2] The consumer guidance society of India was formed in the year 1966 and was registered under the
societies registration act as a voluntary and service organization. In order to protect and educate the
Indian consumer about substandard products and services adultered foods , short weights and
exorbitant prices , and a host of other problems. And in the year of 1991 the consumer guidance
society of India has received National award for consumer protection for its 25th year for service to
consumers.and the CGSI is the first one to establish consumer product testing in India.

Aim/Objective/Mission: The mission of CGSI is to protect and promote the rights and the
interests of consumers provide them with information and take up their complaints with the
offending party and/or the authorities and help them select goods and services which are
a fair return for the money they spend

1. To inform , educate and organize consumers so s to enable them to protect their interests and
assert their interests and assert their rights.
2. To protect and promote the interests of the consumers of goods and services by whatever
lawful means.
3. To provide a forum for mobilizing public opinion in respect of unfair trade practices and to
recommend to the government for suitable action.
4. To undertake consumer research to determine the needs of the consumers.
5. To apprise manufacturers of the need for improving the quality and utility of consumer
products.
6. To promote and popularize the use of goods produced according to recognized standards such
as a product with AGMARK and ISI mark.
7. To co operate with and assist various organizations and public authorities both in India and
abroad in the formation and adoption of quality standards for consumer products and services.
8. To do all such other lawful activities which are conductive to the attainment of any or all the
objects of the society mentioned above.
ROLE of Consumer guidance society of India:
1. Consumer education and guidance- the main purpose of CGSI are to create awareness among
the consumers about their rights and duties . for this CGSI provides valuable information and
guidance by undertaking following activities.
1. Arrangements of lectures by eminent scholars.
2. It publishes booklets, monthly magazine and other literature relating to consumer education
and guidance.
1. Consumer protection this is another important area of CGSI activities and includes.
1. It encourages aggrieved customers to come forward and lodge a complaint against Business
mal practices.
2. It assists government to detect cases of black marketing adulteration of food items .
3. It insists and exerts pressure on the manufacturer to improve the quality of good as per ISO
SPECIFICATION.
4. CGSI has also initiated actions against misleading advertisement.
1. Consumer representation- as a representative of consumers the CGSI has been nominated on
many committee and councils, CGSI advises the government and other agencies on matters
relating to consumer welfare. THE CGSI nominated a representative of consumers in following
state councils and committees.
1. Council of fair business practices.
2. Food and drug administrations.
3. Advertising standards council of India.
4. Bureau of Indian standards.
5. Central pollution control board etc.
1. Complaint Redressal CGSI handles consumer complaints and offers legal guidance to those
wishing to file suits in the consumer courts. In cases where there are a number of complaints
against a particular party, both sides are brought together to resolve the issue.
2. Product testing- AS early as 1977 , CGSI established the facility product testing . it first assessed
the safety and performance of domestic pressure stoves and found that two- third of the
samples tested failed In safety parameters . CGSI sent the results to the government and Indian
standards institute popularly known as ISI with a demand for mandatory a compulsory
certification. Many other products were tested and reports published in the societys monthly
journal KEEMAT.
3. Consumer education for Rural consumers- consumer guidance society of India started a rural
project in the villages of thane and Raigad districts which is situated in the state of Maharashtra
in the year of 1977. consumer training was given to people in several villages. [2]

[3] Some successful cases of cgsi [3]

[4] latest news of cgsi

[5] unrelated article for reference

1. http://cgsiindia.org/

2. https://www.iaspaper.net/consumer-guidance-society-india-cgsi-upsc/

3. http://prsync.com/indus--communications/four-major-cases-solved-with-cgsis-
intervention-during-its-weekly-legal-aid-session-649915/

4. http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/cgsi-registers-resolves-25000-cases-in-16-
17/1071419

5. http://www.afternoondc.in/business-investment/is-consumer-really-
king/article_129065