NATIONAL CONSUMER DAY

as the consumer of India we have the duty to protect our and others rights

1. NATIONAL CONSUMER DAY By SP. SRIVATSAN XI B

2. Every Year 24th December is observed as National Consumer Day with a specific theme in India. On this day the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the president. The enactment of this Act is considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country. This day provides an opportunity for individuals to highlight the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make every consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities.

3. Consumerism

4. Who is consumer? Any individual who purchases products or services for his personal use and not for manufacturing or resale is called a consumer. Buys goods and services To be consumed by himself By someone else on behalf of the buyers

5. What is consumerism ? Self effort on the part of the consumer for safeguarding themselves is known as "consumerism". Consumerism refers to a movement by consumer or by consumer association To ensure fair and honest (ethical) practices on the part of Manufactures, traders, dealers, services providers in relation to consumer.

6. Rights and duties of Consumer

7. 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 and services availed of should not only meet their immediate needs, but also fulfil long term interests. Before purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of the products as well as on the guarantee of the products and services. They should preferably purchase quality marked products such as ISI,AGMARK, etc

8. Right to choose Means right to be assured, wherever possible of access to variety of goods and services at competitive price. In case of monopolies, it means right to be assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price. It also includes right to basic goods and services. This is because unrestricted right of the minority to choose can mean a denial for the majority of its fair share. This right can be better exercised in a competitive market where a variety of goods are available at competitive prices

9. Right to be informed Means right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices. Consumer should insist on getting all the information about the product or service before making a choice or a decision. This will enable him to act wisely and responsibly and also enable him to desist from falling prey to high pressure selling techniques.

10. Right to consumer education Means the right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer throughout life. Ignorance of consumers, particularly of rural consumers, is mainly responsible for their exploitation. They should know their rights and must exercise them. Only then real consumer protection can be achieved with success

11. Right to be heard Means that consumer's interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It also includes right to be represented in various forums formed to consider the consumer's welfare. The Consumers should form non-political and non-commercial consumer organizations which can be given representation in various committees formed by the Government and other bodies in matters relating to consumers

12. Right to seek redressal Means right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. It also includes right to fair settlement of the genuine grievances of the consumer. Consumers must make complaint for their genuine grievances.Many a times their complaint may be of small value but its impact on the society as a whole may be very large. They can also take the help of consumer organisations in seeking redressal of their grievances

13. “An Act to provide for better protection of the interests of consumers and for that purpose to make provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith.”(According to Consumer Protection Act, 1986) Consumer Protection Act, 1986 seeks to promote and protect the interest of consumers against deficiencies and defects in goods or services. It also seeks to secure the rights of a consumer against unfair or restrictive trade practices. This act was passed in Lok Sabha on 9th December,1986 and Rajya Sabha on 10th December, 1986 and assented by the President of India on 24th December, 1986 and was published in the Gazette of India on 26th December, 1986 Consumer Protection Act

14. The Consumer Protection Bill, 1986 was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it received the assent of the President on 24th December, 1986. It came on the Statutes Book as THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986 (68 of 1986). LIST OF AMENDING ACTS 1. The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act, 1991 (34 of 1991) (w.r.e.f. 15-6-1991). 2. The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act, 1993 (50 of 1993) (w.r.e.f. 18-6-1993). 3. The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act, 2002 (62 of 2002) (w.r.e.f. 15-3-2003).

15. Consumer Protection Councils Central Consumer Protection Council. The Minister in charge of the consumer affairs in the Central Government, who shall be its Chairman, and such number of other official or non-afficial members representing such interests as may be prescribed. State Consumer Protection Council. the Minister incharge of consumer affairs in the State Government who shall be its Chairman; such number of other official or non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed by the State Go vernment. such number of other official or non-official members, not excoeding ten, as may be nominated by the Central Govemment. District Consumer Protection Council. the Collector of the district (by whatever name called), who shall be its Chairman; such number of other official and non-official members representing such Interests as may be prescribed by the State Government.

16. Role of Consumer Protection Councils Provides platform to assert consumer grievances in presence of service providers, manufacturers / producers and govt. officials / minister. Can lead to change in policies, formulation of new consumer oriented policies or decisions. Can lead to grievance redressal Can lead to system correction

17. This year the theme of National Consumer Rights Day is "Tackling Plastic Pollution". The aim is to promote sustainable practises for clean surroundings and respectings rights of consumers or the grakak. The Consumer Rights ministry is already running a 'Jago Grahak Jago' campaign. "The campaign will raise awareness and engage consumers to globally adopt more sustainable practises...," tweeted the Consumer Affairs Ministry.

18. Conclusion Consumers are allowed to protect products and services that are hazardous to their lives and property from marketing cost fixes. *********