**Executive Summary**
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has launched the second series of its nationwide virtual capacity-building program for Gram Panchayats, building on the success of initiatives conducted during 2024 and 2025. Inaugurated on February 13, 2026, the program aims to deepen consumer awareness and strengthen consumer protection mechanisms at the grassroots level. The initial session involved the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Program Overview:**
* Second series of nationwide virtual capacity-building for Gram Panchayats.
* Collaboration between DoCA and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
* Objective: To deepen consumer awareness and strengthen consumer protection at the grassroots level.
* Inaugurated on February 13, 2026.
* **Session Details:**
* First session held with Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
* 1,011 online links facilitated participation reaching stakeholders at the Panchayat level.
* Participants were sensitized on key consumer rights, emerging consumer issues, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
* Panchayat representatives could directly interact, raise field-level concerns, and seek clarifications.
* **Key Emphases:**
* Critical role of Panchayats in promoting consumer rights and curbing unfair trade practices.
* Facilitating access to grievance platforms like the National Consumer Helpline (1915) and the e-Jagriti portal.
* Emphasis on regional inclusivity by conducting sessions in regional languages.
* **Previous Initiatives:**
* Extensive series of virtual sensitization sessions for Panchayati Raj representatives on consumer rights and redressal frameworks under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
* The campaign ran from December 20, 2024, to August 22, 2025, covering Panchayats across all States and Union Territories (except Delhi and Chandigarh).
* **Benefits of Virtual Format:**
* Cost efficiency, scalability, and rapid nationwide outreach.
* Enabled large-scale engagement in a short period.
* **Future Plans:**
* The Department will continue and expand the program with a renewed focus on deepening last-mile consumer awareness.
**Impact Analysis**
**Panchayat Representatives**
*Impact:*
Panchayat representatives are equipped with knowledge of consumer rights, responsibilities, and redressal frameworks. They are also empowered to facilitate access to grievance platforms.
*Action Required:*
Utilize the provided knowledge and resources to promote consumer rights, address grievances, and curb unfair trade practices within their communities.
**Consumers (Especially in Rural Areas)**
*Impact:*
Consumers, particularly in rural areas, are empowered to make informed choices and access timely grievance redressal through increased awareness of consumer rights and available redressal mechanisms.
*Action Required:*
Become aware of their consumer rights and utilize available resources (like the National Consumer Helpline and e-Jagriti portal) to address grievances and make informed purchasing decisions.
**State Governments**
*Impact:*
State Governments in states partaking in the programme will increase consumer awareness amongst local government and consumers, contributing to a stronger consumer protection mechanism.
*Action Required:*
Provide positive outcomes and constructive feedback, continue to engage in the program, and communicate with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Key Entities Referenced
Consumer Protection Act, 2019: The act under which consumer rights, responsibilities, and redressal frameworks are discussed in the capacity building series.
Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA): The department that launched the nationwide virtual capacity-building programme for Gram Panchayats.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj: The ministry collaborating with the Department of Consumer Affairs to deepen consumer awareness and strengthen protection mechanisms at the grassroots level.
Gram Panchayats: The target audience of the capacity-building programme focused on consumer rights and redressal.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Consumer Rights Outreach Deepens as New
Capacity-Building Series for Gram Panchayats is
Launched
Inaugural session connects multiple States virtually
Training on Consumer Protection Act and redressal systems
Scalable digital format ensures nationwide reach
Posted On: 15 FEB 2026 12:51PM by PIB Delhi
Building on the success of its virtual capacity-building initiatives conducted during 2024 and 2025, the
Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has launched the second series of its nationwide virtual
capacity-building programme for Gram Panchayats across States and Union Territories. The series was
inaugurated on February 13, 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, with the objective
of deepening consumer awareness and strengthening protection mechanisms at the grassroots level.
The first interaction under the renewed initiative was held with the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
The session witnessed participation through 1,011 online links, reaching thousands of stakeholders at the
Panchayat level. Participants were sensitized on key consumer rights, emerging consumer issues, and the
institutional mechanisms available for grievance redressal. The programme also enabled direct interaction,
allowing Panchayat representatives to raise field-level concerns and seek clarifications.
The session emphasized the critical role of Panchayats in promoting consumer rights, curbing unfair trade
practices, and facilitating access to grievance platforms such as the National Consumer Helpline (1915)
and the e-Jagriti portal. In its earlier phase, the Department conducted an extensive series of virtualsensitization sessions for Panchayati Raj representatives on consumer rights, responsibilities, and redressal
frameworks under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The campaign commenced on December 20, 2024,
and concluded on August 22, 2025, covering Panchayats across all States and Union Territories, except
Delhi and Chandigarh, where Panchayati Raj Institutions are not constituted.
A key highlight of the initiative has been its emphasis on regional inclusivity. Sessions were conducted in
the respective regional languages to ensure effective communication, wider participation, and better
comprehension at the grassroots level. Proceedings were chaired by officers proficient in the concerned
State languages, enabling direct engagement and meaningful dialogue with participants. This approach
significantly enhanced responsiveness and encouraged active field-level participation.
The initiative has contributed substantially to strengthening the capacity of Panchayat representatives as
facilitators of consumer protection within their communities. By equipping local institutions with practical
knowledge of consumer rights and redressal systems, the programme has supported the creation of a more
informed and empowered rural consumer base.
The virtual format has further demonstrated advantages of cost efficiency, scalability, and rapid
nationwide outreach, enabling large-scale engagement within a short period. Encouraged by the positive
outcomes and constructive feedback received from States and Union Territories, the Department has
decided to continue and expand the programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, with
a renewed focus on deepening last-mile consumer awareness.
Through this sustained effort, the Department reiterates its commitment to ensuring that consumer
awareness permeates every tier of governance, empowering citizens particularly in rural areas to make
informed choices and access timely grievance redressal
***
RT/ARC
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