Strategy

Strategy is the blueprint for achieving long-term objectives amid uncertainty. It encompasses planning, resource allocation, and decision-making to gain a competitive advantage. Effective strategies adapt to dynamic environments, leveraging strengths while mitigating weaknesses. They align actions with goals, anticipate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities, guiding organizations toward success.

Advocacy:

The combination of our strategic advocacy includes influencing decision-makers, media outreach, commercial partners, philanthropic partnership, Legal advisory, help to people learn, and various forms of consumer engagement.

To ensure that all people in society are able to:

Have their voice heard on issues that are important to them. Protect and promote consumer rights. To use tactics such as publicity, boycotts, letter-writing campaigns, Internet “gripe sites,” and lawsuits to raise awareness of issues affecting consumers and to counteract the financial and political power of the Consumer Community

• Our comprehensive strategic advocacy encompasses the following components:
• Influencing Decision-Makers:
• Media Outreach:
• Commercial Partnerships:
• Philanthropic Partnerships:
• Legal Advisory Support:
• Education and Workshop:
• Consumer Engagement:

We strive to ensure that all members of society can:

• Voice their Concerns:
• Protect and Promote Consumer Rights:

Through a combination of effective advocacy tactics, including publicity campaigns, boycotts, letter-writing campaigns, Internet “gripe sites,” and legal action, we aim to increase awareness of consumer-related issues and challenge the economic and political influence that can undermine the consumer community.

Consumer Rights, Objectives, Problems, Protections by Laws & Responsibilities

In simple words, the persons who use or consume products or services are consumers. The definition of consumer right is ‘the right to have information about the quality, potency, quantity, purity, price and standard of goods or services. In addition, Right to have access information about products and services.

According to the Constitution of Bangladesh, to have access to food, clothing, education, healthcare, shelter and consumer rights are recognized in the Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009

Objectives

• Explain the meaning of consumer protection;
• State the various problem faced by consumers;
• Realize the need for consumer protection;
• Identify the parties involved in consumer protection;
• Outline the provisions of laws aimed at protecting consumers;
• Understand the jurisdiction of consumer court established for redress of consumer disputes;

Why Needs Consumer Protection?

The necessity of adopting measures to protect the interest of consumers arises mainly due to their helpless position and the unfair business practices.

• No doubt consumers have the basic right to be protected from the loss or injury caused on account of defective goods and deficiency of services. However, consumers are unable to make use of their rights due to lack of awareness and ignorance. For example, as consumers we have the right to choose the goods of right quality from a variety of similar goods available in the market. But often we fail to make the right choice because of misleading advertisements by which we are carried away and buy sub-standard goods.
• Under certain circumstances, we are helpless in the sense of our inability to verify the quality of products. The clever shopkeeper can deceive us by his persuasive words. If the date of expiry on a strip of medicinal tablets is not legible, we may be in a hurry and depend on what the seller tells us. If the medicine does not have the desired effect, we may go to the doctor again and request him to prescribe some other medicine, we forget that the medicine we bought might not have had the effect as we were supplied the medicine after its date of expiry
• Often, we are guided by some of our beliefs without any basis. For instance, many of us believe that ‘higher price indicates better quality’ and so do not mind paying higher price for a product if the salesmen recommend it to be of good quality. Again, it is a common belief that imported goods are inevitably of a superior quality. So, if there is a printed label or a mark that shows a product is made in a foreign country, we may buy it at a higher,
• Producers of goods often put standard certification marks like ISI on the package which are genuinely certified. Similarly, if packaged good are sold short of weight we pay for, it is very difficult to verify always the weights before buying. Sometimes the weighing machines are defective.
• Above all, consumers are not fully aware of remedies open to them if goods are defective or there is deficiency of service.

So, you can very well realize why steps must be taken to protect consumers from business practices which are unfair and may cause loss and injury to health and other dangerous effects.

Right to Safety

PROTECTION OF HAZARDOUS AND UNSAFE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

Right to Information

INFORMATION ABOUT THE QUALITY, QUANTITY, POTENCY, PURITY, STANDARD AND PRICE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

Right to Choose

AVAILABILITY OF SELECTION OF GOODS AND SERVICES FROM THEIR VARIETIES TO JUSTIFY THE QUALITY, COST, PREFERENCE.

Right to be Heard

RAISE UNHAPPINESS AGAINST CONSUMER MALPRACTICES OR RIGHT TO BE REPRESENTED BY CONSUMER ORGANIZATION.

Right to Redress

THIS IS THE CRUX OF CONSUMER RIGHTS. THE CONSUMER IS ENTITLED TO HAVE LEGAL REMEDY, EITHER MONETARY OR EXCHANGE, IN CASE OF VIOLATION OF CONSUME RIGHTS.

Right to Consumer Education

TO HAVE ACCESS TO PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION THAT HELPS THE CONSUMER TO MAKE A BETTER AND INFORMED BUYING DECISION.

Right to Healthy Environment

TO LIVE AND WORK IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT DOES NOT AFFECT CONSUMERS’ WELFARE AND HEALTH.

Problems Faced by Consumers

Consumers may be deceived in various ways by unscrupulous businessmen including traders, dealers, producers and manufacturers as well as service providers.

Some of the following unfair practices must have come to your notice sometime or the other:

• Adulteration that is, adding something inferior to the product being sold. This is a practice we come across in the case of cereals, spices, tea leaves, edible oil, petrol, etc. For example, mustard oil may be adulterated with rape seed oil or argemone oil, black pepper is known to be adulterated with dry papaya seeds, petrol is mixed with kerosene oil, vanaspati may be mixed with ghee/butter. Sometimes, the inferior material used with the product may be injurious to health.
• Sale of spurious products that is, selling something of no value instead of the real product. This is often found in the case of medicines and drugs or health care products. Cases have been reported where ampules for injections contained only water or glucose water in bottles contained only distilled water.
• Use of false weights and measures is another malpractice which some traders adopt while selling the goods. Goods which are sold by weight (kg.) like vegetables, cereals, sugar, etc. , those sold by measures (meter) like textile fabrics, suit pieces, are sometimes found to be less than the actual weight or length. False weights (1Kg, 500 grams, 250 grams, etc) or measuring tapes or sticks having false markings are used for the purpose and buyers are cheated. Sometimes packaged goods and sealed containers (tins) contain less quantity, than what is stated on the label or packet. This cannot be easily verified. Sweets are often weighed along with the card board box which may weigh up to 50 – 100 grams. You pay for it at the same rate as the sweets.
• Sale of duplicates, that is, goods that indicates a mark which shown it is of superior quality than what it actually is. For example, goods which are locally made are sold at a higher price as imported items expected to be of superior quality. Certain products like washing soap, detergent powders, tube lights, jams, edible oil, even medicines, carry well-known brand names although these are made by others.
• Hoarding and black-marketing is another problem that consumer often faces. When any essential commodity is not made available in the open market and stocks are intentionally held back by dealers it is known as hoarding. Its purpose is to create an artificial scarcity, to push up the prices. Black marketing is the practice of selling hoarded goods, secretly at a higher price. These practices are sometimes adopted when there is short supply of any product. You may have read in the newspapers sometime back about scarcity of onions in the open market in some states and high prices being charged by traders who had stocks.
• Tie-in-Sales Buyers of durable consumer goods are sometimes required to buy some other goods as a pre-condition to sale or may be required to pay after-sales service charges for one year in advance. You may have heard about tying up of new gas connections with the sale of gas stoves (burners). Also, TV sets are sometimes sold on the condition that the buyers will make advance payment of a year՚s service charge.
• Offering gifts having no additional value or coupons to collect a gift on the next purchase of some product are practices aimed at alluring consumers to buy a product. Often gifts are offered after the price of the product on sale has been increased. Dealers also announce contests or lottery among buyers of a product without the intention of awarding any prize.
• Misleading advertisement is yet another practice by which consumers are deceived. Such advertisements falsely represent a product or service to be of superior quality, grade or standard, or falsely assert the need for or usefulness of a product or service. A pharmaceutical company advertised that use of its paracetamol tablet did not have any side effects like aspirin, but it suppressed the experts ′ report that the use of paracetamol had adverse effect on the liver. A company announced in its advertisement that it was manufacturing 150 cc. scooters in technical collaboration with a foreign company, although no such collaboration had been entered into. In another case, a company used the trademark of a well-known company ′ Philips ′ in its advertisement for TV sets; on enquiry it was found that the company did not have the necessary permission from Philips for the use of its trade mark on TV sets. It was a case of misrepresentation of facts although that company was authorized to use the trademark ′ Philips ′ on its audio products (radio sets) only
• Sale of sub-standard goods i.e.. , sale of goods which do not conform to prescribed quality standard particularly for safety. Such products include pressure cookers, stoves, electric gadgets (heaters, toasters, etc.) , and cooking gas cylinders.

• Example (1) — Change of mind, so no refund

Mrs. Kathleen buys a jacket from a shop. When she got home, she decided she didn’t really like it. She went back to the shop the next day to ask for a refund. The shop assistant refused, saying that their returns policy stated they did not refund for change of mind. Mrs. Kathleen kept the jacket.

Example (2) — Buyer has to pay postage for a return

Mr. James bought a pair of running shoes online. The website’s delivery information said he should receive the shoes in three to five days. Three weeks and several phone calls later, the shoes finally arrived.

Mr. James had become sick of waiting and bought shoes elsewhere. He returned the shoes to get a refund because of late delivery. He had to cover the cost of postage, as under the Consumer Guarantees Act, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to return an item — unless doing so is particularly difficult or expensive.

Example (3) —Free repair after poor service

Shah Rahman hired B&D Construction Sa Inc., a local tardier in NY city, to build a fence around his front garden. It wasn’t quite level in places, but she was happy enough with the job to not mention it. Several months later, a number of nails had come loose. Shah Rahman contacted B&D Construction Sa Inc. to complain about poor workmanship. B&D Construction Sa Inc. agreed the work had not been carried out with reasonable care and skill — an assistant he’d since fired had worked on those portions of the fence. B&D Construction Sa Inc. repaired the fence free of charge.

Laws of consumers’ protection Act, in Bangladesh

A number of laws have been passed by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh over the years to protect the interest of consumers.

A brief outline of the purpose of these laws in given below:

1. The essential Commodity Act, 1956 (Amendment) 1990
2. The pure food Ordinance, 1959
3. The Price and distribution of essential Commodity Ordinance, 1970
4. The drug Control Ordinance, 1982
5. The breast milk substitute (regulation of marketing) ordinance 1984
6. The tobacco goods marketing (control) act 1988
7. The special powers act 1974
8. The dangerous drug act 1930
9. The trade marks act 1940
10. The standard weights and measures ordinance 1982
11. The food grain supply ordinance 1956
12. The penal code 1860
13. The sale of goods act 1930
14. The Bangladesh standards and testing institute ordinance 1985 (amendment) 2003
15. Fish and Fish Product Rules 1997
16. The Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009

Laws of consumers’ protection Act, in India

A number of laws have been passed by the Government of India over the years to protect the interest of consumers.

A brief outline of the purpose of these laws in given below:

1. Agricultural Products (Grading and Marketing) Act, 1937
2. Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951
3. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
4. Essential Commodities Act, 1955
5. The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956
6. Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969
7. Prevention of Black-Marketing and Maintenance of Essential Supplies Act, 1980
8. Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 • Consumer Protection Act, 1986

Consumers’ Responsibilities

A consumer must exercise his/her right:

• A consumer must be cautious
• A consumer must be quality-conscious
• A consumer should file complaints for the redress of genuine grievances
• A consumer must insist on a cash memo
• A consumer should not get carried away by advertisements
• A consumer should use the products safely
• A consumer must be honest
• Save Environment & Sustainability
• Form a Consumer Society like Consumer News Society

Consumers Safety

To have access to food, clothing, and education, healthcare, shelter are recognized are the first level fundamental rights. They are known as the basic necessities or primary needs.

Safety or security needs means by once the first level needs are satisfied, consumer move to the next level of safety rights. Physical safety, security, stability and protection are also recognized are the Consumer Rights

Consumers have to rights to legal help

When companies or individuals fail to meet the safety requirements set by legislation, regulation, and industry standards, they can be held liable for harm that comes to their customers, patients, and those under their care.

We firmly believe that individuals have a right to protect themselves and their family, should they encounter harmful products or unsafe conditions.

cnews Today provide informative, actionable resources and news related to lawsuits filed of consumer’s protection. We also advocate, workshop, campaign, study, case reviews so consumer can better understand their legal rights.

We also advocate, workshop, campaign, study, case reviews so consumer can better understand their legal rights.

“Help to Learn & Information to Earn” – Empowering Knowledge and Success!

The slogan “Help to Learn & Information to Earn” we setup our strategic plan to achieve the Goals.

In a rapidly evolving world, where information is the currency of progress, the slogan “Help to Learn & Information to Earn” encapsulates the essence of a powerful and transformative journey. It embodies the idea that education and access to valuable knowledge are the cornerstones of personal and professional growth.

Education is a lifelong endeavor, and the pursuit of knowledge should never cease. The slogan emphasizes the importance of support and assistance in the learning process. It recognizes that everyone, regardless of their background or starting point, can benefit from guidance and aid in their educational journey. Whether it’s formal education, vocational training, or self-directed learning, the slogan advocates for a collaborative approach where individuals are encouraged and supported to expand their horizons.

The second part of the slogan, “Information to Earn” highlights the immense value that knowledge holds in today’s world. In the age of information, possessing the right information at the right time can be a game-changer. It signifies the notion that knowledge is not merely a pursuit for personal growth but a means to achieve tangible success. By acquiring relevant and up-to-date information, individuals can unlock new opportunities; enhance their skill sets, and open doors to financial prosperity.

The slogan embodies a dual purpose

To inspire individuals to seek help and support in their learning journey while emphasizing the transformative power of information in achieving personal and professional success. It speaks to the symbiotic relationship between learning and earning, where education serves as the foundation for obtaining valuable information, which, in turn, becomes a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.

“Help to Learn & Information to Earn” serves as a rallying cry for those who aspire to continuously expand their knowledge and harness it to achieve their goals. It symbolizes a community dedicated to facilitating learning, providing resources, and empowering individuals to realize their full potential. With this powerful mantra, we can foster a society that values education, embraces the sharing of information, and thrives on the synergy between learning and earning.

How important is learning strategy?

Learning strategy plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. It provides a structured approach to acquiring knowledge, skills, and competencies effectively and efficiently.

Here are some reasons why learning strategy is important:

Maximizing Learning Outcomes:

A Well-Defined Learning Strategy Helps Individuals And Organizations Optimize Their Learning Outcomes. By Identifying Clear Goals, Assessing Current Knowledge And Skills, And Determining The Most Appropriate Methods And Resources, A Learning Strategy Ensures That Learning Efforts Are Focused And Targeted. This, In Turn, Increases The Chances Of Acquiring And Retaining Knowledge Effectively.

Time and Resource Management:

Learning Strategy Helps Individuals And Organizations Make The Most Efficient Use Of Their Time And Resources. By Setting Priorities, Identifying The Most Relevant Learning Opportunities, And Utilizing Appropriate Tools And Technologies, A Learning Strategy Ensures That Learning Efforts Are Streamlined And Aligned With Broader Objectives. This Prevents Wastage Of Time And Resources On Irrelevant Or Ineffective Learning Activities.

Continuous Growth and Adaptability:

In Today’s Rapidly Changing World, The Ability To Adapt And Learn New Skills Is Crucial For Personal And Professional Growth. A Learning Strategy Enables Individuals And Organizations To Embrace Lifelong Learning As A Core Value. It Encourages The Development Of A Growth Mindset And The Acquisition Of New Knowledge And Skills, Allowing Individuals And Organizations To Stay Relevant And Thrive In Dynamic Environments

Increased Motivation and Engagement:

Having A Well-Designed Learning Strategy Enhances Motivation And Engagement In The Learning Process. When Individuals Have A Clear Understanding Of Their Learning Goals, Access To Appropriate Resources, And A Structured Plan, They Are More Likely To Be Motivated To Learn And Actively Engage In The Learning Activities. This, In Turn, Leads To Better Retention Of Knowledge And Skills.

Alignment with Organizational Goals:

For Organizations, A Learning Strategy Ensures Alignment Between Learning Initiatives And Organizational Goals. By Identifying The Skills And Competencies Required For Success, Organizations Can Develop Targeted Learning Programs That Address Specific Needs. This Helps In Building A Skilled And Adaptable Workforce, Improving Employee Performance, And Driving Organizational Growth And Competitiveness.

The Learning Culture

We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey of learning and growth together. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the ability to adapt, innovate, and continuously learn is paramount to success. That’s why we have crafted a comprehensive strategic plan that is designed to empower and guide you on your learning path.

At the heart of our plan is a deep understanding that knowledge is the key to unlocking limitless possibilities. Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth, an organization striving for excellence, or a team aspiring to reach new heights, our strategic plan is here to help you thrive.

We firmly believe that learning should be accessible, engaging, and tailored to your unique needs. That’s why our plan is built upon a foundation of inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and grow. We have carefully curated a wide range of resources, tools, and methodologies that cater to various learning styles and preferences.

The Learning Transform Technologies

Our strategic plan goes beyond traditional educational approaches by embracing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.

We leverage the power of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and immersive learning experiences to create an environment that is dynamic, interactive, and conducive to deep learning.

Furthermore, our plan recognizes the importance of collaboration and community. We believe that learning is a social endeavor that thrives when individuals come together, share ideas, and support one another.

Through networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects, we foster a vibrant learning community that empowers you to achieve your goals.

So, whether you are looking to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge base, or transform your organization.

Cnews Today is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Together, let us embark on this exciting learning journey and unlock the vast potential that lies within each of us.

Build Awareness

We understand that we are still near the beginning of our journey in becoming a more diverse and inclusive organization

We pride ourselves in knowing our audience’s needs and delivering the most appropriate experience.

How to Aware Consumers

Now, let’s dive into some of the key steps and considerations that companies can take to help grow their communities.

1. Take a Customer-First Approach.
2. Give People a Reason to Meet.
3. Be Part of the Discussion.
4. Don’t Underestimate Approachability.
5. Get Together Online & Offline.
6. Consider a Platform like Shop up Today

What to do our business owner to increase customer awareness?

Our business owner play vital role to increase customer awareness such as publishes content, advertise with us, join the cnews Today

1. The first step to building customer awareness is to distinguish brand or company’s offer.
2. Encourage referrals and reviews.
3. Map the customer journey.
4. Build brand presence.
5. And increase brand awareness.

Why CNEWS Today?

cnews Today is a flagship charity-cum-social business under ‘Society for Integrated voluntary Affairs’ aimed at building a consumer rights, consumer safety, consumer protection community and improving the consumer ecosystem by using internet technology.

cnews Today is a virtual platform that provides various channels to contact consumers such as posting contents, products reviews & rating, best seller list to simplify help to learn about products and services query or booking.

cnews TODAY believe in teamwork and team spirit. All our future course of actions will be guided by formulating necessary rules, guidelines, policies, control, and administrative mechanisms and duly comply with the law of the land.

cnews TODAY firmly believe that local leaders already have the ideas to improve the livelihood situation because they are confronted with it every day.

However, countless of these incredible ideas never come to life because entrepreneurs might not know how to materialize them or do not have access to resources like capital and guidance. This is where the cnews TODAY Today comes in.

To make healthful Bangladesh! cnews Today is committed to improving consumers eco-system, communication and will continue to publish even more content, business communities, and services to help make your healthy life easy, to help you find your way when faced with purchasing decisions, and to help you feel better all about your community life.