Consumer Forum – The Grahak Panchayat

What is the background of the Grahak Panchayat?

Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat was started in 1974 by Shri Bindumadhav Joshi. It started not
merely as an institution but as a consumer movement to create a society free from exploitation. It
was registered under Co-operative Societies Act in 1986.
In 1974, there was an acute shortage of goods of daily use and essential commodities. To ease
and lessen the suffering of the consumers in getting essential commodities at reasonable prices, a
group of young people started this movement. Initially, they formed a group of 25 families
staying in proximity. About 500 such groups were formed. As a combined effort, material was
purchased in wholesale as well as from manufacturers, which resulted in economy of prices. This
material was handed over to the leader of the above-mentioned family group for subsequent
distribution to its members. Later on, it was felt that the ordinary consumer in his individual
capacity could not get justice in his day-to-day life. Hence, the organization now known as
Grahak Panchayat was formed.

What does the Grahak Panchayat do?

The main objective of this organisation is to educate the people about their rights as consumers.
It provides free counselling and legal-aid to people who are not satisfied with the quality of
goods or services purcahsed by them or have suffered exploitation form the seller. The
volunteers include retired people from various fields with knowledge and expertise. They teach,
those aggrieved about their rights and ways in which they can get redressal. They help parties in
reaching a compromise to aviod filing complaint in the consumer court. Every day of the week
(except Wednesday) is fixed for a particular issue. For eg. issues related to banking and financial
institutions are handled every Thursday. Likewise, days are fixed for problems related with
agriculture, builders, PMC, MSEB etc. The Grahak Panchayat also holds seminars to generate
awareness about consumer rights.

How many branches does it have?

Within a span of 30 years, 'Grahak Panchayat' has opened branches all over the country
including Andaman. At present, they are running counselling centers where free advice is given
to consumers. Ten such centers are spread out in Pune including areas like Tilak Road, Karve
Nagar, Somwar Peth, Yerwada, Bibvewadi, Dhankaudi, Vishrantwadi, Anand Nagar and
Sinhagad Road.

What is Grahak Peth & what does it do?

Grahak Peth, a departmental store with a difference, caters to consumers, giving them value for
money. Their goods include items right from cosmetics, hosiery to cassettes and kitchenware.
The consumer can be sure of its quality and weight. Also, you get a receipt for every item
purchased even if it costs as little as 75 paise.