The power of citizens in forcing governments and the private sector to sit up and take action cannot be ignored or brushed aside. It is with this belief that CAG has developed into a strong and committed demand side institution, grounded in critical policy analysis and research. The specific activities as part of research include analysing policy initiatives of both government and private sector in the context of their impacts on citizens, studies focussed on gauging and enhancing public thought and opinion and engaging in research and discussion on contemporary issues of importance. CAG’s ability to analyse issues with objectivity and impartiality has led to its recognition as a holistic research group. Some of CAG’s studies have assisted in the development of citizen-friendly policy prescriptions in local and global fora.
Campaign with regard to consumer protection issues has been on CAG’s agenda since inception. Every campaign that CAG has undertaken in the past has been backed strongly by research and has followed a certain methodology- inform, empower and implement.
Inform: CAG conducts consumer education programmes in schools and colleges and brings out publications in a whole range of issues to inform the citizen-consumer.
Empower: CAG believes in empowerment by creating awareness and debate amongst people, for this, CAG conducts seminars, meetings, exhibitions, in some cases competition to empower the citizen-consumer.
Implement: After empowering people with sufficient information, it is imperative that we guide in translating that into action. CAG’s campaigns at this stage aim at creating change and in making that sustainable which is done through capacity building programmes. |
