Consumer awareness key to ending exploitation says Malati Reshmi
Consumer awareness is essential to building an exploitation-free society, said Malati Reshmi, in-charge president of the Kalaburagi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, on Friday, urging people to assert their rights and question injustice.
She was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the World Consumer Rights Day 2026 programme organised at the Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, in association with the Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Kalaburagi Bench).
The event was held under the theme ‘Safe products, confident consumers’.
“Consumers must go beyond merely purchasing goods and become aware of their rights. Only when they develop the courage to question injustice can meaningful change take place in society,” Ms. Reshmi said.
Highlighting concerns over food safety, she said consumers must be vigilant about the quality of food products they consume, pointing to the increasing use of adulterated items and chemically contaminated oils. “The use of adulterated or urea-mixed edible oils is contributing to serious health issues, including heart disease. Consumers must prioritise safe and pure food,” she said.
She also noted that the government offers subsidies to encourage small-scale oil extraction units, enabling households to produce pure oil using groundnut or safflower seeds with an investment of ₹25,000–₹30,000 after subsidy. “Such initiatives should be utilised by both farmers and the public to ensure food safety,” she added.
Referring to legal provisions, Ms. Reshmi said the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, has significantly strengthened consumer rights compared to the 1986 law, including provisions for resolving disputes through mediation outside courts. “Disputes, especially those involving insurance companies, are now being settled more efficiently,” she said.
She also pointed out that even patients receiving treatment in government hospitals can approach consumer courts in cases of medical negligence, citing Supreme Court rulings. Free legal assistance is available through the District Legal Services Authority for those unable to afford legal representation, she added.
Speaking on the occasion, advocate Vaijanath Jhalaki, secretary of the Mahatma Gandhi Consumer Protection Forum, called upon citizens to be aware of their constitutional rights and responsibilities. “Even minor injustices should not be tolerated. An aware consumer can become a guiding force for society,” he said.
Mr. Jhalaki expressed concern over the lack of adequate food testing infrastructure in the Kalyana Karnataka region. “Kalaburagi, which serves as a hub for seven districts, has only one government food safety laboratory, currently functioning from a temporary shed near the bus stand. This reflects the poor state of food safety in the region,” he said, urging the government to establish a well-equipped laboratory and appoint trained personnel.
He also flagged concerns over milk supply, stating that nearly 90% of Kalaburagi’s milk demand is met from Maharashtra, with no proper facilities to test for harmful substances such as urea or sulphates. “This poses a serious risk to public health,” he said.
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