NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR CONSUMER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (NOCER)

Organizational Vision
Citizen Base Strategy

Organizational Vision

NOCER is improving the lives of displaced and marginalized people in Kerala by educating them about their fundamental rights and the laws laid down to protect them from injustice. Through a grassroots awareness movement, NOCER seeks to ensure that people demand their rights and the enactment of laws. Believing that information empowers individuals to fight against exploitation, NOCER publishes and sells books, pamphlets and other materials about human rights, the judicial system and law enforcement agencies.

Citizen Base Strategy

Generate revenue while creating public awareness

The 100 percent literacy rate in the state of Kerala and the absence of easily accessible information about legal rights ensures demand for NOCER's books and pamphlets. Publications are sold to readers across the state, thereby providing the organization with a revenue stream. It is a win-win strategy for NOCER. The books educate people about their rights and responsibilities while yielding income for the organization to run its programs. Since 1992, NOCER has produced over 60 low-cost publications on various issues including consumer rights, the Panchayati Raj, and laws dealing with Dowry, the practice of untouchability and women's rights. Development agencies such as UNDP, World Health Organization, and UNICEF, have subsidized some of the NOCER publications. The organization is currently creating 40 publications and plans to produce 10 new publications annually. Work is underway on a 'Consumer Manual' in Malayalam, which is expected to generate Rs. 40,00,000. With subject matter that is relevant to people all over India, NOCER's books are likely to be translated into English, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. A weekly magazine called NOCER News provides another source of income while furthering public awareness. NOCER also organizes jeep rallies in the countryside, to reach out to populations in remote areas and spread awareness of its initiatives.

Expand the market and generate more revenue through strategic partnerships

NOCER works with other citizen sector organizations and self-help groups to distribute its publications across Kerala. This increases its reach while giving the other organizations involved in distribution a 25 percent commission. NOCER is also tapping into interest among Government institutions in its various publications. By leveraging funding from development agencies to subsidize printing costs, the organization reduces actual costs and increases its profit margin. In-kind support in the form of equipment also cuts cost of production.