consumers rights

      Consumer Rights

1.      There are many rules and regulations regarding consumer protection but they are often not followed. Why?

Ans: Causes:

i)                    Consumer purchase in small quantities and are scattered.

ii)                  Producers are few and powerful.

iii)                There is lack of adequate monitoring.

iv)                Therefore rules and regulations are not followed.

2.      Explain any three ways by which people are exploited in the markets?

Ans: A consumer can be exploited in the following ways:

1.      Shopkeeper weigh certain products lesser than they should. They may weigh only 7kg and charge money for 10kg.

2.      Sometimes traders add hidden charges.

3.      The shopkeeper may sell defective or adulterated goods.

4.      False information is given to attract consumers.

5.      5. Traders and producers might sometimes hoard goods create an artificial scarcity in the market and then sell those goods at higher prices.

3.      What are the factors that gave birth to the consumer movement in the India? Trace its evolution?

Ans: Factors that gave birth to the consumer movement in India:

i)                    Unethical and unfair trade practices.

ii)                  Rampant food shortages.

iii)                Hording and black marketing.

iv)                Adulteration of food and edible oil

4.      Why are rules and regulation necessary in the market place? Explain.

Ans:                                                                     

a)      Due to the expansion of the business activities and globalization, consumers exploited in a number of ways in the market.

b)     Therefore, rules and regulations are required to protect the interest of consumers.

c)      Sometimes traders indulge in unfair trade practices such as underweight and under measurement, adulteration, hoarding etc.

d)     Whenever a complaint regarding goods or services is made, the seller tries to shift all the responsibility onto the buyer.

e)      Certain rules and regulations are required for the markets to work in a fair manner.

5.      Where can a consumer go to get justice against unfair trade practices? Explain.

Ans: Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation.

i)                    Various consumer forums or consumer protection councils can be contacted for guidance and help.

ii)                  Under COPRA, a three- tier quasi judicial machinery was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.

a)      District level court upto 20 lakhs

b)     State level court between 20 lakhs to 1crore

c)      National level court above 1 crore

                                 

6.      Explain any three functions of the consumer protection council or consumer forum?

Ans: Functions:

1.      To guide the consumer on how to file cases in the consumer court.

2.      To represent the individual consumer in the consumer court.

3.      These voluntary organizations also receive financial support from the government.

4.      They create awareness among the people.

7.      How can consumer get justice when his/her rights are denied?

Ans:

a)      When the rights of a consumer are denied, he/she may get justice by filling a case with a consumer court.

b)     Consumers have a right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitations.

c)      If any damage is done to a consumer, he has the right to get compensation according to the degree of damage.

d)     In India, a three-tier quasi judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up.

i)                    District level court upto 20 lakhs

ii)                  State level court between 20 lakhs to 1crore

iii)                National level court above 1 crore

8.      Explain in brief any three of the consumer rights?

Ans: The consumer rights as follows:

i)                    Right to be informed: A consumer has the right to know the important information about the goods and services they purchase.

ii)                  Right to choose: A consumer has the right to buy goods and services of his choice.

iii)                Right to seek redressal: A consumer has right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation.

9.      Explain any three features of the consumer protection Act of 1986.

Ans: Consumer Protection Act 1986, a major step taken in 1986 by the Indian government was the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, popularly known as COPRA.

a)      It applies to all goods and services.

b)     It covers all sectors, i.e., private, public and cooperative.

c)      It gives rights to consumers.

d)     Established consumer protection councils at centre and state levels.

Under COPRA, a three- tier quasi judicial machinery was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.

10.  Mention any three limitations of consumer movement?

Ans: Limitations of consumer movement:

i)                    It is cumbersome, expensive and time consuming.

ii)                  Evidences are not easy to gather.

iii)                Existing laws are not clear

iv)                Lack of consumer awareness

v)                  Rules and regulations are not clear.

11.  When is the national consumer day celebrated in India? Describe the importance of this day?

Ans: December 24 is observed as ‘National Consumers Day’ in India. The importance of this day:

i)                    Consumer Protection Act was enacted on this day.

ii)                  India has exclusive courts for consumer redressal.

iii)                About 700 consumer groups are working in India.

iv)                However consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming.

v)                  After 20 years of enactment of this act, consumer awareness is not up to the mark.

12.  Analyze with a suitable example of meaning of “the Right to Choose” provided under the Consumer Protection Act .

Ans: The consumer has the right to choose, so that he is assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price.

i)                    Consumers have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of goods.

ii)                  Safety against hazardous and electricity goods.

iii)                Many goods and services require special attention to safety such as pressure cookers. Gas cylinders etc.

iv)                Consumer can move to the consumer court for all the above according to COPRA.

13.  Write a short note on ISI and AGMARK?

Ans:

i)                    These are the logos and certifications which help consumers get assured of quality goods and services.

ii)                  The organizations allow producers to use their logos provided they follow certain quality standards.

iii)                It is nor compulsory for all producers to follow standards.

iv)                However, the products that affect health and safety of consumers are mandatory to get certified by these organizations.

14.  Explain “the Right to Seek Redressal” with an example?

Ans:

i)                    This is the most important right.

ii)                  The consumer has the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation.

iii)                If any damage has been done to the consumer, he/she has the right to get compensation depending upon degree of damage.

iv)                Consumers have the right to get their claims settled in their favour in case of being cheated and exploited by the producer.

15.  What is the Right to information act 2005? How does it help the consumers?

Ans:

a)      Right to Information Act was introduced in the year 2005.

b)     The RTI Act ensures citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.

c)      By filling an application under RTI Act, a citizen can ask the government department to furnish information.

d)     According to RTI, citizens have the power to question the respective Government Department.

16.  “After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, a consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly”. Give reasons.

Ans: Consumer awareness in India is spreading slowly because:

i)                    Besides it, enforcement of laws that protected workers, especially in the unorganized sector is weak.

ii)                  Rules and regulations are often not followed.

iii)                Lack of active involvement of the consumer.

17.  How did consumer movement originate as a ‘social force’ in India?

Ans:

a)      In India, the consumer movement is a social force.

b)     It is originated to protect and promote the interest of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices.

c)      Factors that gave birth to the consumer movement in India:

i)                    Unethical and unfair trade practices.

ii)                  Rampant food shortages.

iii)                Hording and black marketing.

iv)                Adulteration of food and edible oil

d)     Till the 1970s, consumer organizations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions.

e)      They formed consumer groups to look into malpractices in ration shops.