Consumer Rights 1-4
Consumer Rights 1-4
Consumer Rights 1-4
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy outlined what he called the Consumer Bill of Rights. Every year 15th March is observed as World Consumer Rights Day. Consumer Protection Act 1986. The four basic consumer rights are:
The right to be informed The right to choose The right to safety The right to be heard
Right to be informed:
Means right to be informed about quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods to avoid unfair trade practices.
Consumer should also insist on getting all the information about product or service before taking any decision. This will enable him to act wisely and responsibly and also desist him from falling prey to pressure selling techniques.
Right to choose:
Means right to be assured wherever possible of access
to variety of goods and services at competitive prices. In case of monopolies it means right to be assured of satisfactory quality and service at fair price. It also includes right to basic goods and services.
Right to safety:
Means right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property. The purchased goods should not only meet their intermediate needs but also fulfill long term interests. Before purchasing consumers should insist on quality of the products and guarantee of the products and services. They should preferably purchase quality marked products such as ISI, AGMARK, etc.
Right to be heard:
This means consumers interest will receive due
consideration at appropriate forums. It also includes right to be represented in various
For e.g. if you have been cheated in the market place or deprived of the right quality of service, your complaint should be heard and given due attention by the authorities. The right to be heard holds special significance in the Indian context because Indian consumers are largely unaware of their rights and passively accept their violation. This mainly happens in local retail shops of grains, cereals and food products.