Customers should not be taken for a ride, says Suryakant Pathak

The commuters should raise their voice whenever they are forced to pay extra for the travel.

Suryakant Pathak, activist and Pune district working president of Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat, always gives his voice for the consumers whenever they are exploited for business interests. He shares his ideas about consumer rights, protection and the way forward with HT.

Suryakant Pathak, activist and Pune district working president of Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat (HT PHOTO)

What is your take on the overcharging of passengers by private bus operators?

The state government has issued a Government Resolution(GR) in this regard. The Government Resolution clearly states that the private operators cannot charge more than 50 per cent of the government buses rates. The regional transport office( RTO) is not taking any action to curb the overcharging of passengers by private bus operators. The commuters should also raise their voice whenever they are forced to pay extra for the travel.

What has Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat done so far ?

We had given a memorandum to the government and accordingly, the state has taken action and issued GR to protect the commuters. The fares decided by the government must be implemented, which is sadly not happening. RTO not implementing the GR is a cause of concern. Our body is engaged in educating citizens about their consumer rights. We also ensure that their rights are protected.

Our mission is to make the society free from all types of exploitation. We want to develop a consumer movement by cultivating moral values, dedication, trusteeship and love for nation. We create consumer awareness by educating people about their duties and rights. We also solve consumers grievances in consumer forums and demand justice for consumers.