National Consumer Day: Grahak – You are The King of Economy
Dinkar Sabnis
Before looking into sovereignty of the Grahak in economic activities, it is essential to first understand the meaning of the term “Grahak”. The global Consumer Movement confines the Consumer Movement to the buying and selling activities conducted in the market. Therefore, it is necessary to first understand the meaning of the word ‘Grahak’. The term ‘Grahak’ is not synonymous with ‘consumer’ or ‘customer’ in English. It cannot even be considered a synonym for the Hindi word ‘upbhokta’ (consumer). The term ‘upbhokta’ is derived from the concept of consumption, while the word ‘Grahak’ originates from the act of receiving or accepting. There is a significant difference between the two. Consumption is limitless and satisfies capability rather than need, whereas receiving is confined to the fulfilment of needs. Satisfaction is achieved once the need is met.
Grahak maintains the critical role in the economy. Grahak’s are not just the purchasers of goods and services; they are the central element of the economic framework. Grahak demand initiates the production process, and it is this demand that sustains the economy’s momentum.
The preferences and power of Grahak, guide the economy. If Grahak do not show enthusiasm for products or services, then industries and businesses may experience a slowdown, ultimately leading to a reduction in production and potential stagnation of the economy. This means that Grahak confidence and purchasing power are essential for economic prosperity.
While the availability of various market options may be increasing, Grahak cannot be replaced. Their needs and preferences are unique. Therefore, Governments and businesses formulate strategies with a focus on Grahak experience and satisfaction.
In this context, the mention of Grahak ‘sovereignty’ is also significant. Grahak’s now possess knowledge and options, and they utilize these to ensure satisfactory experiences. It is crucial for them to be aware of their rights and choices, as this not only strengthens their sovereignty but also empowers the economy.
Ultimately, Grahak’s are the necessary key to the development and improvement of the economy. Their satisfaction and trust pave the way for long-term economic stability and growth.
To strengthen any economy, active participation from the Grahak is an essential condition. However, currently, global economic activities are being conducted while ignoring the Grahak. There is a complete lack of transparency. This is why most of the world’s economies are currently in crisis. The Government, producers, corporates, and traders, while keeping the Grahak in the dark, are not only exploiting them but also destroying the nutrients of the economy. They forget that as soon as the trust of the Grahak in the market wavers, the dark shadow of recession begins to engulf the market. In this state, all components of the economy start to get affected, and they resort to unnatural methods to attract Grahak back to the market.
Due to the nature, behavior, and characteristics of Grahak in the Western world, markets overcome recessions; however, the price is paid by the Grahak, who increasingly become burdened with debt. In contrast, Indian Grahak, influenced by movements and cultural tendencies, focus on limiting their needs. Even after the Government provides easy capital to encourage Grahak to increase their needs, the local Grahak show little interest in enhancing their requirements, as they do not want to increase their debt burden. This tendency of Indian Grahak is a hindrance to the process of bringing the economy out of recession.
Moreover, the Indian market and Grahak stay away from artificial methods of increasing demand. However, it is clear that the prosperity of the market entirely depends on Grahak behavior and requirements.
Despite this, currently, the Government, producers, and traders are ignoring the Grahak. Although, due to the spread of Grahak movements and the vigilance of activists, some programs are launched in the name of customer support, most of these programs seem to complicate rather than solve the Grahak’s problem. They do not listen to the Grahak issues; instead, they compel Grahak to bind their problems within their prepared frameworks, thereby distracting them under the guise of problem-solving. The very design of these programs is intended to serve the interests of the producers, which leads most Grahak seeking to solve their problems to end up holding their heads in despair.
Producers create goods, and service providers deliver services to Grahak. Grahak need these goods and services. Therefore, both are complementary to each other. Then why is there a lack of transparency in this process? Grahak have no objection to the profits taken by producers/service providers. However, the extent of these profits should be determined. Nowadays, new marketing techniques are being adopted to exploit Grahak. This exploitation must stop. The Grahak movement is not about making goods cheaper; it advocates for “fair goods at fair prices”. When a Grahak pays the full price demanded by the producer for a product, they should receive a product that fulfils the qualities promised by the producer. Why should they compromise on the quality of the product? The Grahak wants the full value for the price paid for the product, not even a little less. It is these circumstances that create a conflictual environment in the market.
The Grahak, being the center of all economic activities and playing a vital role in the economic structure, must have sovereignty in economic activities. These activities should be conducted transparently, not behind the scenes. Grahak should be involved in these economic activities. Economic activities should not be triangular (government, producers, and traders); they should be quadrilateral (government, producers, traders, and customers). This is an essential condition for smoothly and sustainably developing the economy.
In its absence, the conflict between the government, producers, and customers will continue, a situation that is not beneficial for the country and its economy. It is another matter that today the Grahak movement is not organized or strong enough to directly intervene in economic activities and paralyze them. Therefore, it is appropriate to involve Grahak in economic activities and give them their rightful place. All components of the economic structure should work together to strengthen the economy.
Author – Dinkar Sabnis, is Central Organizing Secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat.
Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat is working across the country for the consumer awareness and protection.