Consumer Rights Project

1. Acknowledgment – Consumer Protection Act of 1986

I would like to express my gratitude to my social science teacher for assigning me this important project
and guiding me throughout. I would also like to thank my parents and friends who supported me in
completing this project. This project is based on the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, which is an
important law in India that protects the interests of consumers. It ensures that consumers are not
exploited by businesses and have the right to safety, information, and redressal.

2. Project Overview

This project aims to raise awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities. It explores the role of
consumers in the marketplace, the evolution of the consumer movement, and the importance of
consumer protection laws. It also explains the six basic consumer rights, various standard symbols on
products, and concludes with a summary of the importance of being an informed consumer. The
content is suitable for students and aims to encourage young minds to become responsible and aware
consumers.

3. List of Contents

1. Acknowledgment – Consumer Protection Act of 1986

4. Role of Consumer in Marketplace

Consumers play an essential role in the marketplace. A consumer is anyone who buys goods or services
for personal use. The consumer is at the center of the economic system because the demand created
by consumers drives the production of goods and services. When consumers are aware of their rights
and make informed choices, they help improve the quality of goods and services in the market.

The consumer has the power to influence the market by demanding better products, services, and fair
prices. When consumers refuse to buy low-quality or unsafe products, it forces companies to improve
their standards. Responsible consumers not only protect themselves but also contribute to the overall
improvement of the market and society.

5. Consumer Movement

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The consumer movement is a social movement that seeks to protect and inform consumers by
promoting their rights and ensuring fair trade practices. In India, the consumer movement started in
the 1960s when people began to protest against food adulteration, black marketing, and hoarding.

The movement gained legal backing with the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. This
act empowered consumers to seek redressal and justice through consumer courts. Over time, the
movement grew stronger, with the establishment of consumer organizations and awareness
campaigns.

Today, the consumer movement continues to play a crucial role in educating people about their rights
and encouraging them to speak up against unfair practices. It has led to better laws, more
transparency, and greater accountability in the market.

6. Consumer Rights (International)

The concept of consumer rights is recognized globally. In 1985, the United Nations adopted the "UN
Guidelines for Consumer Protection" to promote consumer welfare around the world. These guidelines
identify the following basic rights:

1. Right to safety
2. Right to be informed
3. Right to choose
4. Right to be heard

These international rights have influenced consumer protection laws in many countries, including India.
They ensure that consumers are treated fairly, have access to accurate information, and can seek justice
if wronged. The international perspective on consumer rights shows that consumer protection is a
global issue, and cooperation among countries is necessary to protect the interests of people
worldwide.

7. Consumer Rights (6 Rights)

i. Right to Choose

Consumers have the right to choose from a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. This
means they should not be forced to buy a particular product and must be free to select the brand,
quantity, and quality that suits them. For example, when a shopkeeper insists on buying only a
particular brand or refuses to show alternatives, it violates this right.

ii. Right to Safety

Consumers have the right to be protected against goods and services that are harmful to health or life.
This is especially important for products like food, medicines, and electrical appliances. Manufacturers
must follow safety standards, and unsafe products must be removed from the market.

iii. Right to be Informed

Consumers should be provided with complete and accurate information about products and services.
This includes the price, weight, ingredients, expiry date, usage instructions, and potential risks. Without
proper information, consumers cannot make the right decisions.

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iv. Right to be Heard

Every consumer has the right to express their opinions and complaints. Companies and government
authorities must listen to consumer concerns and address them appropriately. This right helps improve
the quality of services and builds trust between consumers and sellers.

v. Right to Seek Redressal

When consumers are cheated or harmed, they have the right to seek compensation. They can file
complaints in consumer courts at the district, state, or national levels. These courts provide a quick and
affordable way for consumers to get justice.

vi. Right to Consumer Education

Consumers must know their rights and responsibilities. Awareness helps them avoid fraud and make
informed choices. Consumer education should be promoted through schools, media, and government
programs.

8. Symbols (Standardised)

Various symbols on products indicate quality and safety. These symbols are important for consumers to
identify genuine and certified goods.

1. ISI Mark – Indicates quality of electrical appliances and industrial products. Issued by the
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
2. AGMARK – Certifies the quality of agricultural products like grains, pulses, and spices.
3. FSSAI – Found on packaged food items. Shows approval by the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India.
4. Hallmark – Indicates the purity of gold and silver jewelry.
5. Eco Mark – Given to environmentally friendly products.
6. Green Dot – Symbol for vegetarian food.
7. Red Dot – Symbol for non-vegetarian food.

These symbols help consumers make safe and informed choices while buying products.

9. Conclusion

Consumer rights are essential for a fair and just market. Awareness about these rights empowers
people to stand against exploitation and demand better services. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986
and the consumer movement in India have played a vital role in strengthening consumer rights.

As students and future consumers, it is important for us to know our rights and duties. We should not
only protect our own interests but also spread awareness among others. A well-informed consumer is
the foundation of a strong and ethical marketplace.

10. Bibliography

• NCERT Social Science Textbook – Class 10

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• https://fssai.gov.in
• https://bis.gov.in
• Wikipedia and educational websites