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15 March – Consumer Rights Day


In today’s modern, fast-paced world, the power of internet and communication are some of the strongest factors that come into play when one debates about the success of a business operation. Social media platforms, online shopping sites, and more are utilised by small and large businesses to display their product and ensure the customers get good service once they purchase the product of their choice. These multiple platforms surely help the business owners to expand their physical horizons and therefore grow their market, although often the same owners tend to ignore some of the basic rights that exist to protect the consumers.

Consumer protection is the activity of protecting buyers of goods and services, as well as the general public, from unfair business practises. Consumer protection measures are frequently enacted through legislation.Celebrated on 15th of March, Consumer Rights Day aims at raising global awareness regarding consumer rights and needs. This also includes talking and sharing intel regarding common forms of malpractices conducted by business owners for multiple purposes, such as increasing profit or denying service post purchase.

Inspiration and Themes

The United States Congress was approached by President John F. Kennedy on 15 March, 1962, who spoke about the consumer rights and the importance behind the same. This led to him being the first leader, and the day was specially celebrated the first time in the year 1983, and henceforth, has been celebrated every passing year, with different themes.

The global theme for this year was“Fair Digital Finance”. The Membership of Consumers International comprising of 200 consumer groups in 100 countries selected the annual theme.A lot of campaigns were held on this day, in order to effect change and alteration in government policy in favour of consumers, as well as corporate behaviour toward customers.

Some Basic Consumer Rights

  • Right to safety:Means the right to be protected from the marketing of goods and services that endanger life and property. The items and services they acquire should not only suit their immediate requirements, but also serve their long-term goals. Consumers should insist on product quality as well as product and service guarantee prior to making a purchase. They should buy ISI, AGMARK, and other quality-marked products whenever possible.
  • Right to choose:Means the right to be assured of access to a diverse range of products and services at a reasonable cost wherever possible. It means the right to be assured of adequate quality and service at a reasonable price in the case of monopolies. The right to essential goods and services is also included. This is because a minority's unlimited ability to choose can result in the majority's fair share being denied. In a competitive market, where a wide range of goods are accessible at competitive rates, this right can be better exercised.
  • 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.

Similarly, there are a set of some more basic consumer rights that are parts, or sub-parts of the ones mentioned above. These are constructed primarily to protect the consumer from any malpractices done on the supplier/producer’s end and helps them to sound their voice when in need.

National Consumer Rights Day: Celebrating the Consumer Protection Act 1986

The Consumer Protection Act aims to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of exploitation such as defective goods, deficiency in services and unfair trade practices.

  • To promote and protect the rights of Consumer such as Right tobe protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.
  • Be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services, as the case may be so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
  • Be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
  • Be heard and to be assured that consumer’s interest will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
  • Seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
  • To consumer education.

To provide speedy and simple redressal to consumer, a quasi - judicial machinery is sought to be set up at the district, State & Central level. Furthermore, this act is celebrated by conducting the National Consumer Rights Day every year on the 24th of December with the same objectives in mind as that of the World Consumer Rights Day.

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