World Consumer Rights Day is observed 15 March and the significance of this day is to highlight the rights of all consumers and protect them from exploitation, discrimination, and other forms of unfair practices.
With the advent of the 20th century due to rapid industrialization and multifaceted development in India after the Independence, there appeared a flood of consumer goods and services in the Indian Market, which almost changed the
relationship between the consumer and the trader. Technological advancements in the field of media led to flooding of advertisements of goods and services further worsening the otherwise grim situation. Lack of consumer awareness, illiteracy, poverty, etc. further led to the exploitation of consumers. Awareness of consumer rights varies in different regions in the country. It is very poor especially among the population in rural and far-flung areas of the country. Compared to the developed countries, the levels of consumer awareness in such a vast country with a large population like India is much lower. This is rooted in economic inequality, low levels of literacy and ignorance. Because of this, consumers are not able to assert their rights and on many occasions are exploited by the trade and industry and service providers. The rapid industrial development has not only brought new innovations and products into common use but has also affected the mode and outlook of our living.
The simple goods which were catering our needs have been replaced by complex and complicated goods. In view of the socio – economic changes which have taken place in the lives of the people it is imperative to build up a strong and broad based consumer movement which may give impetus and bring about socio- legal measures necessary for consumer protection. Protecting and promoting the welfare of consumers has thus become one of the major concerns.
We as consumers are now protected by several laws. These laws conifer a number of rights on consumers and impose duties on the sellers, manufactures or those who provide services. More importantly, these rights are not merely social codes but most of these now have legal sanctions behind them. In other words, we now have enforceable rights. However there is a general lack of awareness about these rights. Here you will be made aware of these rights and their importance.
Right to Safety – To be protected against goods and services that may be hazardous to their health, life, and property
Right to Choose – To have the freedom to choose between goods and services available at competitive rates.
Right to be Informed – To be provided information about the quality, price, purity, potency, usage, date of manufacture/expiry, etc., of any good/service.
Right to be Heard – Consumer complaints to be received due consideration at appropriate forums.
Right to Seek Redressal – To be provided fair settlement/ compensation against unfair trade practices.
Right to Consumer Education – This right encourages you to acquire the knowledge and skill throughout life.
From time to time the scenario of marketing has been changed from dense markets to door to door marketing and at present digital marketing. In this era consumers are being cheated on social media through unscrupulous and fake online marketers.The consumers are being tempted by clever and misleading advertisements with exaggerated claims of product and services , and after receiving full value of the product or services an inferior or priceless products are found in the parcel delivered by the delivery boys and the helpless consumers are unable to claim for his money and any other relief with the result deprive him from the consumer Rights particularly Right to Choose and Right to be informed.
Consumer responsibilities
Along with the Rights of Consumers there also certain responsibilities which devolve on every consumer so that he / she can take an active part in consumer protection.
A consumer needs to be alert and questioning about the goods and services used.
Not to be tempted by clever and misleading advertisements with exaggerated claims of products and services, but to critically examine the utility of the product and services , but to critically examine the utility of the product of services and the guarantees and warranties attached to them.
Examination of product and offer for services.
Exercising of choice on the basis of comparison of relative merits of products and services , wherever such choice is available .
Adopting an attitude of non-compromising quality of goods and services to ensure full value for money paid.
It is also time to take account of the digital and on line marketing. Here also consumers need to be informed and educated so that they are not wronged. Alongside these awareness campaigns, the departments related to consumer affairs should take severe punitive actions against the violators of consumer rights. Such examples can deter others from resorting to any malpractices, hence providing a safe atmosphere to a consumer.
Role of Government
For a long time now, the market has been ruled by the principle of caveat emptor (Customer beware!) but an alert consumer and role of administration can change this to caveat venditor (sellers beware!). The Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Mutaffifin “Woe to those who give less than due.
Last but not least, as enjoyed in the constitution of India, Government have necessarily to play a vital role in protection and empowerment of consumers. The department of Consumer Affairs should ensure proper monitoring of unbridled markets and ensure establishment of an effective and responsive administration which is not only citizen friendly but is also transparent and accountable.
