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M.
R. Pai Memorial Award for Pradeep S Mehta
New
Delhi, April 08, 2008
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The
Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI), Ms Shyamala Gopinath is to present the M.
R. Pai Memorial Award to “the crusader of the
consumers’ cause”, Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary
General, Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS)
International, Jaipur, at a function in Mumbai
today. The function is being organised by
All-India Bank Depositors’ Association, Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shyamala Gopinath,
the Chief Guest, lauded the life-long efforts of
Mehta. The citation read: “The splendid work done
by you and your organisation in educating the
public on competition and regulation over the
years is exemplary. You are one of the foremost
crusaders for consumers and we take this
opportunity to wish you strength in your
endeavours.”
The
citation read how he had voluntarily given up his
family business more than two decades ago to
devote full time attention to bringing discipline,
methods and systems to the consumer movement in
India. He used his corporate acumen and
non-conventional wisdom to create a global level
modern organisation, which has incessantly been
working for an enabling environment for the
benefit of consumers — both at the grassroots as
well as policy level.
The
institute, CUTS international, imparts consumer
education and acts as a guide-cum-mentor to many
voluntary consumer organisations and individuals.
“Mehta is a pioneer in institutionalising relevant
studies and research on consumer topics, in
creating mass awareness about consumer rights and
responsibilities and protecting consumer
interests. He works through an effective
combination of advocacy and consistent lobbying
for correction in the systems at the policy level,
resulting in the introduction of new legislation
and in effective monitoring of regulations”.
The
organisers felicitated Mehta, “who shares the same
beliefs with those of the late M. R. Pai, champion
of public causes, in initiating a movement for
consumer cause, especially creating a
countervailing force of consumers to ensure
justice and safety of consumers”.
After
the presentation of the Award, Mehta spoke in
response to the honour conferred on him and
thanked the organisers. The award carries a
citation and a cheque of Rs.51,000.
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