Copy of consumer rights

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THE CONSUMER IN THE MARKET PLACE……….. We participate in the market both as a consumer and a producer, = as a producer we produce goods and services, = and as a consumer we purchase goods and services that we need. But in the market, we find that very often it is the consumers who are exploited to a great extent. Exploitation in the market place happens in various ways, such as… = sometimes traders indulge in unfair trade practices, such as when traders weigh less than what they should. = traders add charges that were not mentioned. = when adulterated/defective goods are sold. = passing of false information through media to attract consumers. Markets do not work in a fair manner when producers are few and powerful, whereas consumers are scattered and purchase in small quantities. This happens especially when large companies with huge wealth, power and reach can manipulate the market in various ways. Hence there is a need for rules and regulations to ensure protection for consumers.

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CONSUMER MOVEMENT…… Consumer movements arose out of the following. = dissatisfaction of the consumers as many unfair practices were being indulged in by the sellers. = there was no legal system available for consumers to protect themselves from exploitation in the market place. In India, consumer movement originated with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interest of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices. such as, a) food shortage b) hoarding c) black marketing d) adulteration of food and edible oil. In an organized way consumer movement was form in the 1960’s, however till the 1970’s .consumer organizations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions. A major step was taken in 1986 by the Indian Govt with the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986, popularly known as COPRA. In 1985, United Nations adopted the UN guidelines for consumer protection, and this has become a tool to press the Govts. world wide for consumer protection. today Consumers International has become an umbrella body of 240 organization from 100 countries.

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SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT……… While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations, they are many goods which require special attention for safety such as the pressure cooker which have safety valve, which if defective can cause a serious accident. Therefore the manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure a high quality but, we do find bad quality in the market, because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.

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INFORMATION ABOUT GOODS AND SERVICES………… Regarding information to goods and services, we as consumers have the following Rights……. Right to be informed. Right to choose. Right to be informed :- When we buy any commodity, we find certain details given on the package such as ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. Why does the manufacturer displays this information ? It is because consumers have the “right to be informed” about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. = Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner. = Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells goods at more than the printed price on the packet. In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Govt. In Oct 2005 the Govt of India enacted a law popularly known as RTI Act, which ensures its citizens all information about the functions of the Govt departments.

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2. Right to choose :- Any consumer who receives goods and services in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of services, has the “right to choose” whether to received the same or not. Where should consumers go to get justice :- Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation in the consumer court. If any damage is done to a consumer, he or she has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organization locally known as consumers forum or consumers protection council, they guide Consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court, on many occasions they also represent individual consumers in the consumer court. Under COPRA a three- tier system is set up at the district, state and National level for redressal of consumer disputes. -- The district level court deals with the cases involving claims up to 20 lakhs. -- the state level courts from Rupees 20 lakhs to 1 crore. -- the national level above 1 crore.

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Why consumer Education is Important …… Consumer education is important for the following reasons :- It provides the person with the basic knowledge to handle consumer problem, he/she becomes a discriminating buyer by taking rational decisions, and thus not fall prey to advertisements or persuasions. Technological developments have flooded the market with a variety of products, goods and services, it is therefore important that a person possesses basic knowledge and skills to judge the product. School children are mostly dependent on their parents, it is therefore important that they make the best use of their pocket money. Consumers education can alert the pupils to the corporate dumping of dangerous pharmaceuticals and similar products.