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In today´s session class of NCERT CBSE Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Notes: Consumer Rights we will explore the role of consumers in the marketplace and their rights. Now, who are Consumers? Consumers are people who buy goods and services for their personal use.
The consumers interact with the producers who sell these products. Consumers need to be aware of their rights, such as the right to safety and the right to information about products.
This chapter also discusses how consumers can protect themselves from exploitation and how laws like the Consumer Protection Act help safeguard their interests.
Table of Contents
Check Out NCERT CBSE Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Notes: Consumer Rights
The Consumer in the Market Place
| – People participate in the market as producers and consumers. – Producers: Sell goods and provide services to people in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services. – Consumers: Buy goods and services they need. – Consumers can be exploited by producers in various ways. – In the informal sector, borrowers face exploitation by moneylenders. – Moneylenders charge high interest rates and pressure borrowers to repay loans promptly. – In the unorganized sector, people work for low wages, which isn’t fair. – Sometimes, consumers receive less quantity or quality than expected, and producers charge unfair prices. – Large companies manipulate the market by spreading false information through media to attract consumers. |
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Consumer Movement
| – Lack of rules and regulations leads to consumer exploitation by producers. – If consumers are dissatisfied with a product, they often stop buying from that brand or shop, placing responsibility on consumers for their purchasing decisions. – Dissatisfaction with unfair rules prompts consumer movements. – Unfair rules are imposed by sellers and act as a social force. – The consumer movement in India began in the 1960s due to food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, and food adulteration. – The government supports consumer organisations financially to raise awareness. – Consumer groups were formed to address issues like malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in road transport. – In 1986, the Indian government enacted the Consumer Protection Act as a major step forward. |
Consumer Rights
| (i) Safety is everyone’s right – Many goods and services pose health and safety hazards, requiring special attention. – Consumers have the right to protection from goods and services that are hazardous to health or property. – Producers must adhere to rules and regulations to ensure consumer safety. (ii) Information about goods and services – Manufacturers must provide information such as ingredients, price, batch number, manufacture date, expiration date, manufacturer’s address, directions for proper use, and details about side effects and risks associated with their products. – Consumers have the right to access detailed information about the goods and services they purchase. |
Right to Information Act
| – The “Right to Information Act” was passed by the Indian government in October 2005. – Its objective is to provide citizens with information about the functions of government departments. – Three reasons led to the formation of the “Right to Information” Act. (i) Consumer’s Right to Choice: – Consumers have the right to refuse to purchase goods and services they are dissatisfied with. – This right ensures consumers can make decisions based on their preferences and needs. (ii) Seeking Justice for Consumers: – If a consumer denies a choice, they can seek redress for unfair trade practices and exploitation. – Consumers have the right to compensation based on the extent of harm suffered. – They can approach consumer forums or councils for assistance. – The Consumer Protection Act established a three-tier quasi-judicial system at district, state, and national levels to resolve consumer disputes effectively. – District-level courts handle cases with claims up to Rs 20 lakhs. – State-level courts handle cases between Rs 20 lakhs and Rs 1 crore. – National level courts handle cases exceeding Rs 1 crore. – If a case is dismissed in a district-level court, consumers can appeal to state and then national-level courts. – The Consumer Protection Act ensures consumers’ “Right to Representation” by allowing them to appeal decisions. (iii) Learning to Become a Well-Informed Consumer: – The Consumer Protection Act emphasises educating consumers about their rights. – It has prompted the establishment of separate Consumer Affairs departments in both central and state governments. – These departments aim to inform and empower consumers with knowledge about their rights and protections. |
Taking the consumer movement forward
| – The Indian Parliament passed the Consumer Protection Act on December 24, 1986, leading to the celebration of National Consumers’ Day annually on the same date. – Out of approximately 200 consumer groups in India, about 20-25 are well-organized and officially recognized. – Despite the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, consumer awareness in India is gradually increasing. – However, the process of seeking redress for consumers has become burdensome, costly, and time-consuming. – Consumers often need to hire lawyers to navigate legal procedures. – Lack of cash memos in most purchases makes it difficult to gather evidence, complicating the redressal process further. – ISI and Agmark: – ISI and Agmark are certifications for products like LPG cylinders, food colors, additives, cement, and packed drinking water. – Producers must obtain these certifications, which ensure products meet specified quality standards. – Hallmark: – Hallmark is a quality certification for jewellery. – It is issued by the Indian Standard Organization based in New Delhi. – ISO Certification: – ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification indicates that a company, goods, or institution meets specific global standards. – ISO’s headquarters are in Geneva, established in 1947. |
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FAQs
Ans: A consumer is someone who buys goods and services for personal use or consumption.
Ans: The consumer movement aims to protect consumers from unfair trade practices.
It involves educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities.
Consumer organizations work to raise awareness and fight for consumer rights.
Ans: The 6 consumer rights in class 10 chapter 5 of Economics includes:
– Right to safety: Consumers have the right to be protected from harmful products.
– Right to information: Consumers should be informed about the details of products.
– Right to choose: Consumers can select from a variety of products at competitive prices.
– Right to be heard: Consumers’ interests should be represented in policies and decisions.
– Right to redressal: Consumers can seek compensation for faulty goods or services.
– Right to consumer education: Consumers have the right to learn about their rights and responsibilities.
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