Summary:
Kolhapur: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked varsities across the country to include modules on consumer studies in their syllabus. The idea is to strengthen the consumer movement in India by creating awareness among all segments of consumers, including college students.Greater involvement of students in the consumer movement will enhance the pace at which the ideals of the movement percolate. It has also prepared a model syllabus for the same.The circular dated February 9 stated that the department of consumer affairs has been taking steps to promote and protect consumer rights, as provided under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Understandably, one of the ways in which this objective can be realised is through inclusion of modules on consumer studies as an elective course in the universities/colleges syllabi, it said.The circular from UGC secretary P K Thakur further said that the course module for consumer affairs as an elective at the under-graduate level has been prepared by the expert committee. Considering the importance and relevance of the module and complexity in terms of topics, it is requested of universities to conduct development programmes for the faculty members teaching this module.The UGC has given suggested readings, reference articles, periodicals for more information on the course on its website..