Writer Bannanje Govindacharya said on Saturday that it was essential to create awareness about consumer rights among people. He was releasing the book Balakedarana Battalikeyinda by H. Shantharaj Aithal at a function organised by the Suhasam Literary Organisation, here.
Mr. Govindacharya said that many people did not know that they were entitled to certain rights. The situation was such that present-day economy benefitted the exploiters more than the consumers. Although all people, especially vehicle-owners, paid road tax, the roads had potholes most of the time in a year. But no one questioned either politicians or officers about the potholes. The bridges were constructed to bear a certain amount of load. But lorries were carrying twice the amount of load, which could be borne by the bridges. The politicians or officials, instead of taking action, turned a blind eye to it.
People had come to accept bribe-giving as a part of life. Many government officials had no qualms in openly demanding bribes. There was no service-minded attitude or professionalism among people. This was the bane of all problems.
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H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of Manipal University, presided over the function.
Writer H. Gopala Bhatta, retired professor Nataraj Dikshit, and artist Ramesh Rao were present.