Central Scheme

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY CONSUMER ORGANIZATION ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

INTRODUCTION
The Government accords a high priority to the programme of Consumer Protection. To promote a strong and broad based consumer movement in the country, particularly at grass root level, the government encourages formation of voluntary consumer organizations in both urban and rural areas which are willing to generate awareness amongst the consumers about their rights; bringing out new ideas on consumer protection; undertake research and any other activity which directly contributes towards voluntary consumer movement in the country. To recognize the efforts made by the voluntary consumer organizations in this field and to provide them incentive, the Central Government had instituted in the year 1988 a scheme of annual National Award for voluntary consumer-organizations for their excellence in consumer protection programme. The scheme has been named after “Swami Vivekananda”.
Under the scheme, 3 wards in order of merit will be given in the shape of prize money of Rs.50,000/-, Rs.40,000/- and Rs.30,000/- to first three voluntary consumer organizations. AH the recipients of awards will also be given a Certificate of Merit.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS:

The voluntary consumer organizations including women organizations applying for the awards must fulfil the following conditions: –
i) It should be a voluntary consumer organization working for the promotion and protection of consumer interests;
ii) It should not be a Organization or Federation of Voluntary Consumer / Organizations.
iii) The applicant Voluntary Consumer Organization must have at least 100
members consisting of Male, Female arid Student members etc.
iv) It should have legal status. For this purpose it should be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or any other similar status,
v) It should have been in existence for the cause of consumer protection for the last three years.
vi) It should be non-political, non-official and under non- proprietary management;
vii) It should not be run for profit for any individual or group of individuals
but should serve the general public without distinction of caste, creed, color and religion;
viii) It should not have received any prize/award for the same work from any other Department/Ministry of the Central Government for the same period.

The performance of the voluntary consumer organizations including women group which will apply for this award will be judged from their work in one or more of the following fields:-
i) innovative approach to solve the problems of consumers;
ii) to take up important consumer cause;
iii) putting up special efforts for the redressal of consumer grievances,
iv) to undertake research and bring out innovative ideas in the field of
consumer protection; v) promoting consumer movement particularly in the rural areas by organizing seminar, publishing of literature on consumer protection; vi) by undertaking testing programme relating to quality, quantity, standardization for various consumer products;
vii) educating consumers about their rights and how to excise them; or viii) any other activity which directly or indirectly contributes towards consumer protection and spreading the message of voluntary consumer movement.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AWARD

i) The award will relate to calendar year———
ii) The applicant will submit two copies of the report of its activity to the concerned State Government/UT Administration. The activity report must contain special efforts made by the organization in redressing consumer grievances; promotional and educational activities undertaken by then-, new ideas/approach exhibited by them; important consumer onuses taken up, number of members in the consumer organization etc. The, report will indicate its activities under clear heads. The report should be the format endorsed and activities should be supported by documentary proof.
iii) The report should be written in English/Hindi in legible handwriting preferably typed in double space.
iv) The aspirant consumer organizations will give an undertaking that it will abide by the rules and regulations of the scheme.
v) The consumer organization will clearly indicate that it will not have any copy right claim over the report submitted for the purpose of this award and the Government will have right to publish the material forwarded.
vi) The report should reach the concerned -State Government latest by

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION:

i) The concerned State Government/UT Administration will verify the activities of the aspirant consumer organization. In case State Government finds the work as commendable, it will forward one copy of the report submitted; by the organization to Central Government with its recommendation and comments for the purpose of this award. The State Government can also suomoto make recommendations in case of deserving Voluntary Consumer Organizations whose work is commendable and who fulfil the edibility conditions, even if an application is not filed by the concerned person.

ii) While assessing the performance of consumer organizations, the State Government/UT Administration will give preference to consumer, organizations functioning in the rural, tribal and backward areas. Similar preferences should also be given to women consumer organizations. ln case of urban based consumer organizations, State Government/UT Administration will particularly see the performance of that particular organization in the rural areas and its visible impact on the welfare of the consumers.

iii) The recommendations and comments of the State Government along with report of the activities of the organization should reach the Central Government latest by .

iv) The selection will be made by a Committee comprising of Secretary (Consumer Affairs) in (the Central Government. Other members will be representative of Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure), Department of Rural Development and an active consumer activist who has done outstanding work in the field of consumer protection to be nominated by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution , Department of Consumer Affairs every year. Such representative should not belong; to the organization which is an aspirant for award for that particular year. Additional Secretary in-charge of consumer protection will be Member-Secretary.

v) The recommendations of the Committee will be submitted to Minister in charge of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for approval/ Consideration.
vi) Central Government reserves the right not to give any award in a year when no consumer organization is found eligible for this purpose.

PROFORMA FOR STATE/UT FOR EXAMINING SWAMI VIVEKANAND, NATIONAL AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY CONSUMER ORGANIZATIONS ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

NAME OF STATE/UT :

1. Year to which award relates :
2. Name and Address of the organization
3. Whether the organization is registered: (attested copy of the registration certificate should be enclosed)
4. Whether it has been in existence for the last 3 years?
5. Whether it has received any grant from the Central/State Government for the same purpose.
6. Whether it has given both the undertakings as specified in the scheme of award [see (iv) & (v) under the heading “How to apply for the award”]?
7. Areas of operation of the organization: Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban /Semi- urban/Metropolitan
8. Has the report of activities of the organization on consumer protection for the year —been enclosed?
9. Whether activities of the organization in —- have been verified by the State Government?
10. Impact of the activities of the organization on consumer movement as observed by the State Administration
11. Whether one copy of the report is enclosed for perusal of the Central Government?
12. Recommendation of the State Government

SIGNATURE OF THE SECRETARY
INCHARGE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
GOVERNMENT OF———————–
(SYNOPSIS OF ACTIVITY REPORT) (TO BE FILLED BY THE APPLICANT)
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY CONSUMER ORGANIZATION ON CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR ———–
NAME OFSTATE/UT———————————————————————————–

1. Year to which award relates:
2. Name and Address of the organization
3. Whether the organization is registered and working in the field of consumer protection for more than 3 years (Please also enclose a copy of registration certificate)
4. Areas of operation of the organization: Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban
Semi-urban /Metropolitan
5. Total no. of members in the organization: Male……. Female…….
(whether exclusively consisting of women?) Student
6. Whether in receipt of grant-in-aid from State/Central Government? If so, for what activities?
7. Details of Consumer Protection undertaken during ——- (refer to eligibility criteria)
8. Whether the organization received any appreciation certificate/award from the
State/UT for the same purpose.
9. Explain the details of
(a) Important consumer causes taken up during —–, in brief
(b) Promotional and educational activities
Undertaken especially in rural areas during ——-
i) No of rural meetings organized (with details)
ii) No. of seminars organized in rural areas (with details)
iii) No. of exhibitions organized (with details)
iv) No. of booklets published (enclose copies)
v) No. of training programmes organized (with details)
vi) Details of Newsletter/Magazine brought out (enclose copies)
vii) No. of training/seminars attended (with details)
(C) Redressal of Consumer Grievances
i) No. of cases solved through own efforts (with details)
ii) No. of cases filed in District Forum (with details)
iii) No. of cases filed in State Commission (with details)
iv) No. of cases filed in National Commission (with details)
v) No. of cases filed in other Forums/Courts
vi) No. of cases won (enclose judgment copies)
vii) No. cases for which counselling given (with details)
10. Enclose a brief summary of all the consumer protection activities undertaken in the year 2003 (Not exceeding one page).
11. General remarks, if any
Place :
Dated:
(Signature of the application)
Name :
Address:
Tel No. :
Fax No. :
E-Mail :

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR YOUTH ON CONSUMER PROTECTION


INTRODUCTION

The Government accords a high priority to the programme of Consumer Protection and is keen to promote a strong and broad based consumer movement in the country, particularly at grass root level. Cognizant of the manifold problems of the consumers, the Government has enacted comprehensive consumer protection legislation namely, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 which aims at providing simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal to the consumer grievances. However, to promote a strong consumer movement in the country, each section of the society particularly the youth and the women have to contribute to this cause. To recognize the outstanding efforts made by the youth and the women in this field and to provide them the incentive and encouragement, the Government has instituted a scheme of annual National Youth Awards for consumer protection in 1987. This scheme has been named after “Swami Vivekananda”.
Under the scheme, 3 awards in order to merit will be given in the shape of prize money of Rs.20,000/-, Rs.15,000/- and Rs.10.000/-. The recipients of awards will also be given a Certificate of Merit.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS:

All the youth including women in the age group of 15-35 year who have done outstanding work for consumer protection are eligible for this award, The performance of the youth who will apply for this award will be judged from their outstanding work done in one or more of the following fields:-
i) taking up important consumer causes;
ii) putting in special efforts for redressal of consumer grievances;
iii) bringing out new ideas for consumer protection and safety from health hazards;
iv) promoting consumer movement, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas through exhibitions, seminars, demonstrations etc.
v) undertaking consumer research or investigation into specific consumer problems;
vi) taking up any other activity which directly or indirectly contributes towards consumer protection and spreading the message of voluntary consumer movement.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AWARD

i) The award will relate to calendar year ——
ii) The applicant will submit two copies of the report of his/her activity to the concerned State Government/UT Administration. The activity report must contain special efforts made by the applicants in redressing consumer grievances; promotional and educational activities undertaken by them, new ideas/approach exhibited by them; important consumer cause taken up etc. The report will indicate its activities under clear heads and will also include his/her brief bio-data. The report should be in the format enclosed and activities should be supported by documentary proof.
iii) The report should be written in English/Hindi in legible handwriting preferably typed in-double space.
iv) The aspirant will give an undertaking that he/she will abide by the rules and regulations of the scheme.
v) He/She will clearly indicate that he or she will not have any copy right claim over the report submitted by him or her for the purpose of this award and the Government will have right to publish the same or part of the report.
vi) The report should reach the concerned State Government latest by ————-

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION:

i) The concerned State Government/UT Administration will verify the activities and in case State Government finds the work as commendable, it will forward one copy of the report submitted to Central Government along with its recommendations and comments for the purpose of this award. The State Government can also suomoto make recommendations in case of deserving persons whose work is commendable and who fulfil the eligibility conditions, even if an application is not filed by the concerned person.
ii) While assessing the performance of the aspirants, the State Government will particularly see the impact of the performance on welfare of large sections of consumers.
iii) The recommendations and comments of the State Government along with report of the activities should reach the Central Government latest by ———
iv) The selection will be made by a Committee comprising of Secretary (Consumer Affairs), Additional Secretary in-charge of consumer protection and an eminent person who has done outstanding work in the field of consumer protection to be nominated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Food and Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs. The recommendations of the Committee will be approved by Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
vi) Central Government reserves the right not to give any award in a year when no one is found eligible for this purpose.

PROFORMA FOR STATE / UT FOR EXAMINING SWAMI VIVEKANAND NATIONAL AWARD FOR YOUTH ON CONSUMER PROTECTION
NAME OF STATE/UT :

1. Year to which award relates :
2. Name and Address of the applicant nominated
3. Date of birth and age as on ————–
4. Whether the applicant is an office bearer/member in voluntary consumer organization, if so, details thereof?
5. Whether involved in Consumer Protection activities during the last three years? If yes, details thereof.
6. Whether applicant has received any appreciation certificate/award from the State/UT for the same purpose?
7. Whether both the undertakings as specified in the scheme of award [see (iv) & (v) under the heading “How to apply for the award”] have been given?
8. Area of operation: Tribal/Backward/Rural/ Urban/Semi-urban/Metropolitan

9. Activities in the field of consumer protection during —— to which the award relates.
10. Whether activities on consumer movement in ——- have been verified by the State Government?
11. Impact of the activities on consumer movement as observed by the State Administration
12. Whether one copy of the activity report is enclosed;
13. Recommendation of the State Government

SIGNATURE OF THE SECRETARY
INCHARGE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
GOVERNMENT OF————————
(SYNOPSIS OF ACTIVITY REPORT)
(TO BE FILLED BY THE APPLICANT)
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR YOUTH ON CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR ——-
NAME OF STATE/UT:

1. Year to which award relates :
2. Name and Address of the applicant nominated
3. Date of birth and age as on ———
4. Whether the applicant is an office bearer/member in any voluntary consumer organization, if so, details thereof?
5. Whether involved in consumer protection activities during the last three years? If yes, details thereto.
6. Whether the applicant has received any appreciation certificate/award from State/UT for the same purpose?
7. Whether both the undertakings as specified in the scheme of award [see (v) & (vi) under the heading “How to apply for the award”) have been given?
8. Area of operation : Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi- urban/Metropolitan
9. Activities in the field of Consumer Protection during 2003 to which the award relates
(a) Important consumer causes taken up i) during 2003, in brief ii)
(b) Promotional and educational activities undertaken especially in rural areas during —-
i) No. of rural meetings organized (with details)
ii) No. of seminars organized in rural areas (with details)
iii) No. of exhibitions organized (with details)
iv) No. of booklets published (enclose copies)
v) No. of training programmes organized (with details)
vi) Details of Newsletter/Magazine brought out (enclose copies)
vii) No. of training/seminars attended (with details)
(C) Redressal of Consumer Grievances
i) No. of cases solved through own efforts (with details)
ii) No. of cases filed in District Forum (with details)
iii) No. of cases filed in State Commission (with details)
iv) No. of cases filed in National Commission (with details)
v) No. of cases filed in other Forums/Courts
vi) No. of cases won (enclose judgment copies)
vii) No. cases for which counselling given (with details)
10. Enclose a brief summary of all the consumer protection activities undertaken in the year 2003 (Not exceeding one page).
11. Whether a copy of the bio-data has been Yes/No enclosed
12. General remarks, if any

Place:
Dated:
(Signature of the applicant)
Name :
Address :
Tel No. ;
Fax No. :
E-Mail :

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR WOMEN ON CONSUMER PROTECTION


INTRODUCTION

 

The Government accords a high priority to the programme of Consumer Protection and is keen to promote a strong and broad based consumer movement in the country, particularly at grass root level. Cognizant of the manifold problems of the consumers, the Government has enacted a comprehensive consumer protection legislation namely, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 which aims at providing simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal to the consumer grievances. However, to promote a strong consumer movement in the country, sections of the society particularly the women have to contribute. To recognize the outstanding efforts made by the women in this field and to encourage them to come forward and take up such activities in large numbers, the Government had instituted in the year 1993 a scheme of Annual National Award for women on consumer protection. The scheme has been named after “Swami Vivekananda”.
Under the scheme, 3 awards in order to merit will be given in the shape of prize money of Rs.20,000/ Rs.15.000/- and Rs.10,000/-. The recipients of awards will also be given a Certificate of Merit.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS:

All women who have done outstanding work for consumer protection would be eligible for this award. There will be no age limit. The performance will be judged from their- work in one or more of the following fields:-
i) taking up important consumer causes;
ii) putting in special efforts for redressal of consumer grievances;
iii) bringing out new ideas for consumer protection and safety from health hazards;
iv) promoting consumer movement, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas through exhibitions, seminars, demonstrations etc.
v) undertaking consumer research or investigation into specific consumer problems;
vi) taking up any other activity which directly or indirectly contributes towards
consumer protection and spreading the message of voluntary consumer movement.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AWARD

i) The award will relate to calendar year ——
ii) The aspirant will submit two copies of the report of her activity to the concerned State Government/UT Administration. The activity report must contain special efforts made by the applicants in redressing consumer grievances; promotional and educational activities undertaken by them.new ideas/approach exhibited by them; important consumer causes taken up etc. The report will indicate its activities under clear heads and will also include her brief bio-date. The report should be in a format endorsed and activities should be supported by documentary proof.
iii) The report should be written in English/Hindi in legible handwriting preferably typed in double space.
iv) The aspirant will give an undertaking that she will abide by the rules and regulations of the scheme.
v) She will clearly indicate that she will not have any copy right claim over the report submitted by her for the purpose of this award and the Government will have right to publish the same or part of the report.
vi) The report should reach the concerned State Government latest by ——

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION:

i) The concerned State Government/UT Administration will verify the activities and in case State Government finds the work as commendable, it will forward one copy of the report submitted to Central Government with its recommendations and comments in the prescribed proforma. The State Government cart also suomoto make recommendations in case of deserving persons whose work is commendable and who fulfil the eligibility conditions, even if an application is not filed by the concerned person.

ii) While assessing the performance of the aspirants, the State Government will particularly see the impact of the performance on welfare of large sections of consumers.

iii) The recommendations and comments of the State Government along with report of the activities should reach the Central Government latest by 31.8.2004.

iv) The selection will be made by a Committee comprising of Secretary (Consumer Affairs), Additional Secretary in-charge of consumer protection and an eminent person who has done outstanding work in the field of consumer protection to be nominated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs. The recommendations of the Committee will be approved by Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

v) Central Government reserves the right not to give any award in a year when no one is found eligible for this purpose.

PROFORMA FOR STATE/UT FOR EXAMINING SWAMI VIVEKANANC NATIONAL AWARD FOR WOIV5EN ON CONSUMER PROTECTION
NAME OF STATE/UT :

1. Year to which award relates
2. Name and Address of the applicant nominated
3. Date of birth and age as on ———–
4. Whether the applicant is an office bearer/member in voluntary consumer organization, if so, details thereof?
5. Whether involved in Consumer Protection activities during the last three years? If yes, details thereof.
6. Whether she has received any appreciation certificate/award from the State/UT for the same purpose?
7. Whether both the undertakings as specified in the scheme of award [see (iv) & (v) under the heading “How to apply for the award”] have been given’?
8. Area of operation : Tribal/Backward/Rural/Urban/Semi-urban/Metropolitan

9. Activities in the field of consumer protection during ——– to which the award relates,
10. Whether activities in ——- have been verified by the State Government?
11. Impact of the activities on consumer movement as observed by the State Administration
12. Whether one copy of the activity report is enclosed?
13. Recommendation of the State Government

SIGNATURE OF THE SECRETARY
INCHARGE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
GOVERNMENT OF

(SYNOPSIS OF ACTIVITY REPORT) (TO BE FILLED BY THE APPLICANT)
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NATIONAL AWARD FOR WOMEN ON CONSUMER
PROTECTION FOR ——-
NAME OF STATE/UT :
———————————————————————————————————–
1. Year to which award relates:
2. Name and Address of the applicant
3. Date of birth and age as on ———–
4. Whether the applicant is an office bearer/member in any voluntary consumer organization, if so, details thereof?
5. Whether involved in consumer protection activities during the last three years? If yes, details thereto.
6. Whether she has received any appreciation certificate/award from State/UT for the same purpose?
7. Whether both the undertakings as specified in the scheme of award [see (v) & (vi) under the heading “How to apply for the award”] have been given?

8. Area of operation: Tribal/Backward/Rural/ Urban/Semi-Urban/Metropolitan

9. Activities in the field of Consumer Protection during 2003 to which the award relates
(a) Important consumer causes taken up during 2003, in brief i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
(b) Promotional and educational activities undertaken especially in rural areas during —–
i) No. of rural meetings organized (with details)
ii) No. of seminars organized in rural areas (with details)
iii) No. of exhibitions organized (with details)
iv) No. of booklets published (enclose copies)
v) No. of training programmes organized (with details)
vi) Details of Newsletter/Magazine brought out (enclose copies)
vii) No. of training/seminars attended (with details)
(C) Redressal of Consumer Grievances
i) No. of cases solved through own efforts (with details)
ii) No. of cases filed in District Forum (with details)
iii) No. of cases filed in State Commission (with details)
iy) No of cases filed in National Commission (with details)
v) No. of cases filed in other Forums/Courts
vi) No. of cases won (enclose judgement copies)
vii) No. cases for which counsellinq given (with details)
10. Enclose a brief summary of all the consumer protection activities undertaken in the year —– (Not exceeding one page).
11. Whether a copy of the bio-data has been Yes/No enclosed
12. General remarks, if any

Place :
Dated:
(Signature of the applicant)
Name :
Address:
Tel No. :
Fax No:
E-Mail: