Consumer Rights in India
– Know consumer protection laws, rights under COPRA, and ways to avoid unfair
trade practices.
Chapter 5 Consumer Rights
Class 10 NCERT Economics – Understanding Economic
Development | Questions Answers
Updated for 2024-2025 Exams
1. Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace?
Illustrate with a few examples.
Answer:
Rules and regulations are required in the marketplace to protect consumers from
exploitation and unfair trade practices. For instance, without rules, sellers
could sell defective products, engage in deceptive advertising, or charge
higher than necessary prices. Examples include traders selling adulterated
goods, shops overcharging customers, and the sale of expired products. Rules
ensure fairness in the market and hold sellers accountable for their actions.
2. What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in
India? Trace its evolution.
Answer:
The consumer movement in India began due to the need to protect consumers from
unethical practices like hoarding, black marketing, and adulteration of goods.
It originated in the 1960s when food shortages and hoarding became rampant. In
the 1970s, consumer organizations formed to address issues in ration shops and
public transportation. Over time, this movement gained momentum, leading to the
enactment of the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) in 1986, which formally
recognized consumer rights.
3. Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving
two examples.
Answer:
Consumer consciousness is crucial to prevent exploitation by sellers. For
example, a consumer buying an electronic product should check for warranty
information and ensure they receive a bill to hold the seller accountable if
the product is defective. Similarly, a consumer purchasing packaged food should
ensure the product’s expiry date is valid to avoid health hazards. Awareness of
consumer rights helps individuals make informed choices and seek redress if
they are wronged.
4. Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of
consumers.
Answer:
Exploitation of consumers can occur due to:
- Lack of awareness about consumer
rights. - Misleading advertisements that
provide false or incomplete information. - Unethical practices by sellers
such as overcharging, providing substandard goods, and tampering with
weights and measures. - Lack of proper implementation of rules
and regulations.
5. What is the rationale behind the enactment of the
Consumer Protection Act, 1986?
Answer:
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (COPRA) was enacted to provide consumers with
legal protection against exploitation and unfair trade practices. It aimed to
establish consumer rights, create a system for redressal of grievances, and
encourage fair practices in the market. The Act provides a legal framework that
allows consumers to file complaints and seek compensation for damages caused by
defective goods or services.
6. Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit
a shopping complex in your locality.
Answer:
As consumers, it is important to:
- Check the quality and prices of
products before making a purchase. - Ensure the product carries
necessary certifications like ISI or Agmark for quality assurance. - Verify expiry dates for perishable
goods. - Ask for and retain a proper bill
or receipt to hold the seller accountable in case of any defect or issue
with the product. - Avoid being misled by exaggerated
claims in advertisements and offers.
7. Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit
packet. Which logo or mark will you have to look for and why?
Answer:
For the bottle of honey, the consumer should look for the Agmark certification,
as it ensures that the product meets certain quality standards for agricultural
products. For the biscuit packet, one should check for the FSSAI mark, which
ensures the product adheres to food safety standards. These logos guarantee that
the products have been tested and meet safety and quality requirements.
8. What legal measures were taken by the government to
empower the consumers in India?
Answer:
The government has enacted several laws to empower consumers, including:
- The Consumer Protection Act, 1986,
which provides consumers with rights and establishes consumer courts for
redressal of grievances. - The Right to Information (RTI)
Act, 2005, which allows consumers to access information about government
services and hold public offices accountable. - Various certifications like ISI,
Agmark, and Hallmark ensure the quality and safety of goods. - The introduction of the Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) to regulate and ensure product standards.
9. Mention some of the rights of consumers and write a
few sentences on each.
Answer:
Some key consumer rights include:
- Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be
protected against products that are hazardous to life and health. For
example, electrical appliances must meet safety standards to prevent
accidents. - Right to Information: Consumers must be provided with
accurate information regarding the product’s price, quality, ingredients,
and expiration dates to make informed choices. - Right to Redressal: If a consumer is exploited or
harmed by a product or service, they have the right to seek redress and
compensation through consumer courts. - Right to Choose: Consumers should have access to a
variety of products at competitive prices without being forced into
restrictive practices by sellers.
10. By what means can consumers express their solidarity?
Answer:
Consumers can express their solidarity by forming consumer forums,
participating in consumer movements, and raising awareness about their rights.
They can also file complaints collectively, engage in protests against unfair
practices, and support organizations that advocate for consumer protection.
11. Critically examine the progress of the consumer
movement in India.
Answer:
The consumer movement in India has made significant progress since its inception,
especially with the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Various
consumer courts have been established to provide redressal for grievances.
However, the movement still faces challenges such as low consumer awareness,
slow grievance resolution, and the high cost of legal proceedings. Despite
these issues, the movement continues to grow, with increasing consumer
participation and government initiatives aimed at enhancing consumer
protection.
12. Match the following:
| (i) Availing
details of ingredients of a product | (e) Right to information | | (ii) Agmark
| (c) Certification of edible oil and cereals | | (iii) Accident due to faulty
engine in a scooter | (a) Right to safety | | (iv) District Consumer Commission
| (b) Dealing with consumer cases | | (v) Food fortification | (g) Addition of
key nutrients to staple foods | | (vi) Consumers International | (f) Global
level institution of consumer welfare organisations | | (vii) Bureau of Indian
Standards | (d) Agency that develops standards for goods and services |
13. Say True or False:
(i) COPRA
applies only to goods. (False)
(ii) India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive
authorities established for consumer disputes redressal. (True)
(iii) When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in
the District Consumer Commission. (True)
(iv) It is worthwhile to move to consumer commissions only if the damages
incurred are of high value. (False)
(v) Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardization of jewellery.
(True)
(vi) The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick. (False)
(vii) A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of
the damage. (True)