Consumer Rights {speech}
Consume. It is the act to utilize substances
for our very own needs. We consume food,
oxygen, goods, resources and various
facilities. Humans, inevitably, are dependent
on things around them to consume, absorb
and evolve. It is why our identities are linked
to being a consumer. But, what even is a
consumer?
Well, A consumer is a person or a group who
intends to use purchased goods, products,
or services primarily for personal, social,
family, and similar needs. It is a term we
have added to our identities. It is who we
are, who we have been, and who, once, our
ancestors used to be.
But what happens when this identity is
snatched from its rightful owners? What if
our rights are violated and we are expected
to do nothing but accept our destinies?
Well, exploitation of consumers has long
been an on-going trend among companies.
Companies publishing misleading
information causing grievances to the
consumer. A few ways in which consumers
are exploited are:-
Sub – Standard Quality – which is
providing goods of low-quality. For e.g.
sale of medicines beyond their expiry
dates.
High Prices – where consumers are
charged higher than the prescribed retail
price
Duplicate Articles – is the practice of
selling fake or duplicate items to
consumers
Artificial Scarcity – The practice of
hoarding goods to sell them at a higher
price later.
Lack of or Limited information,
Unawareness or Ignorance of Consumers
and Illiteracy are the major factors leading
to exploitation of consumers.
The evil companies enjoyed as the
consumers bled dry. A consumer movement
was indeed the need of the century.. but
why?
To provide consumer education and
protection.
To arrange consumer protection
programmes and make sure their
voices weren’t left unheard.
To fight against then unjust
marketing system and build pressure
upon the government.
And so, the angry populous of consumers in
India was ready to explode. What could
possibly push them over the edge? How
about a touch of black marketing, hoarding
and adulteration?
Till the 1970s, consumer movement in India
majorly involved writing articles and holding
exhibitions. These, although not bad, proved
to leave no impact. It wasn’t until recently
that India witnessed an upsurge in the
number of consumer groups. With concerted
efforts, the movement succeeded in
pressurizing the business firms as well as
the government to correct business
conduct.
The Consumer Protection Act of 1986,
enforced with the motive to protect the
interest of customers from being exploited
and to maintain the social harmony was a
fruitful product of this movement.
This Act taught consumers to make right
choices by educating them about their
rights and responsibilities as well as by
making them aware of how to seek
redressal if wronged.
To seek redressal, consumers are to address
the three-tier system.
The first tier would be the District Forum.
Consumers can appeal for compensation of
the good and services in question below Rs.
20 Lakhs. A consumer can appeal against
the District Forum’s orders to the State
Commission.
The second tier is the State Commission in
which the compensation claimed exceeds
Rs. 20 Lakhs but not Rs. 1 crore. A
consumer can appeal against the State
Commission’s orders before the National
Commission.
The third and last tier would is the National
Commission in which the compensation
value of the goods claimed exceeds Rs. 1
Crore. Since the National Commission’s
orders are a matter of official jurisdiction,
one needs to appeal to the Supreme Court
against it,
As consumers, it is our responsibility to take
a stand and fight the prejudice directed
towards us. It is, when we have to
acknowledge our roles and not shy away
from it. But to tackle the global trend of
misery and cheat, we must be acquainted
with the privileges we hold!
Right to Safety – The right to protection
against a product that hampers or is
hazardous to one’s safety.
Right to Information – The right to be
informed about a product. The product
packaging must list the details a
consumer should be informed about.
Right to Choose – The right to choose a
product with one’s own decision. A
consumer should also have a wide
selection of article to choose from.
Right to be Heard – It ensures that
consumers can voice complaints and
concerns about products, expecting a
fair response and resolution.
Right to Seek Redressal – Consumers
have the right to seek compensation or
remedies if they purchase a faulty or
misrepresented product.
Right to Consumer Education –
Consumers have the right to access
information and resources that help
them make informed decisions about
their purchases.
To really become a well-informed
consumer;
One must acknowledge his/her
responsibilities and duties in becoming
a well-informed consumer.
A consumer should be aware of the
variety of goods and services in one’s
vicinity to ensure wise decisions.
One should be aware of the details of a
product and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions to use it safely.
Quality Standard Marks –
Hall Mark
Agmark
FPO Mark
ECO Mark
Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian Marks
FSSAI
Important Dates –
National Consumer Right Day – 24
December 2013
World Consumer Right Day – 15th March