Consumer rights are a collection of legal rights that allow customers to obtain relevant information about goods and services before making a purchase.

Consumer responsibilities, on the other hand, indicate that customers have a specific responsibility to society and other consumers, and that they should assist them in combating unfair practises or at the very least be aware of them. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 enforces these rights and responsibilities.

What is the Consumer Protection Act, and how does it work?

Consumer complaints are easily and quickly addressed under the Consumer Protection Act, which was enacted in 1986. It protects and encourages customers to speak up about inefficiencies and defects in products and services. This statute protects consumers' rights if traders and manufacturers engage in illegal trade. The main goal of this forum is to provide assistance to both parties and to avoid long lawsuits.

Except for those exempted by the central government, this Protection Act covers all goods and services from the public, private, and cooperative sectors. The act provides a venue for consumers to raise complaints, after which the forum takes action against the offending supplier and compensates the customer for the inconvenience he or she has experienced.

6 Consumer Rights

1. Right to Safety- A consumer has the right to inquire on the items' quality and guarantee before making a purchase. 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 guarantees prior to making a purchase. They should buy ISI, AGMARK, and other quality-marked products whenever possible.

2. Right to Choose- Consumers should be able to select from a wide range of items at a reasonable price. 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. In a competitive market, where a wide range of goods are accessible at competitive rates, this right can be better exercised.

3. Right to be informed- Buyers should be provided with all required product details in order for them to act wisely and amend their purchasing decisions. To protect consumers from unfair trade practises, consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods.

Before making a choice or a decision, the consumer should insist on receiving all available information about the product or service. This will allow him to act sensibly and ethically while also preventing him from succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics.

4. Right to Consumer Education: Consumers should be aware of their rights in order to avoid being exploited. Ignorance may end up costing them even more. The right to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be a well-informed consumer throughout one's life.

Consumer ignorance, particularly among rural customers, is largely to blame for their exploitation. They should be aware of their rights and should be able to exercise them. Only then can genuine consumer protection be possible.

5. Right to be Heard: The consumer's right to be heard means that they will be given adequate time to air their issues in a relevant forum. The consumer's right to be heard means that they will be given adequate time to air their issues in a relevant forum. 

Means that the interests of consumers will be taken into account in relevant forums. It also involves the right to be represented in various forums established to look after the interests of consumers.

Consumers should organise non-political, non-commercial consumer organisations that can be represented on various government and non-governmental committees dealing with consumer issues.

6. Right to seek compensation- The right to seek compensation describes the consumer's right to seek justice in the event of unfair or inhumane actions or exploitation. Means the right to seek justice in the event of unfair trade practises or consumer abuse. It also involves the right to a just resolution of a consumer's genuine grievances.

Consumers must file a complaint if they have legitimate grievances. Their complaint may be minor in nature, but its influence on society as a whole can be significant. They can also seek redress of their problems with the support of consumer organisations.

Responsibilities of the Consumer

Consumers have a responsibility to be aware of the safety and quality of products and services before buying them.

Responsibility to speak up- Buyers should not be afraid to express their problems and tell sellers exactly what they want

It is the responsibility of the consumer to voice and file a complaint about dissatisfaction with goods or services in a true and fair manner.

Ethical Consumer Responsibilities- They should be honest and not engage in any misleading practises.

What Does Consumer Awareness Mean?

The practise of making an individual or consumer aware of their rights and responsibilities when purchasing products and services is known as consumer awareness. All customers must be aware in order to make the best option and selection possible regarding the products and services being supplied. "Jago Grahak Jago" is an example of a consumer awareness campaign in India.

FAQs

1. What are Consumer Rights?

Consumer rights are the legal protections afforded to individuals who purchase goods and services. They are designed to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and have access to safe and reliable products.

2. What are the 6 Basic Rights of Consumers?

The 6 basic rights of consumers as per the CBSE board are:

• Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be protected against goods and services that are hazardous to life and property.
• Right to be Informed: Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services, as well as the right to be protected against misleading advertising.
• Right to Choose: Consumers have the right to a variety of products at competitive prices.
• Right to be Heard: Consumers have the right to have their complaints heard and addressed by the seller or manufacturer.
• Right to Seek Redressal: Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade practices or exploitation.
• Right to Consumer Education: Consumers have the right to be educated about their rights and responsibilities.

3. What are the Responsibilities of Consumers?

Along with their rights, consumers also have certain responsibilities such as:

• To use products responsibly and in accordance with their intended purpose
• To be informed about the products they purchase
• To take the time to compare products and prices before making a purchase
• To act with reasonable care and not cause damage to property or harm to other people
• To cooperate with the seller or manufacturer to resolve any complaints
• To be an informed and responsible consumer and participate in the process of protecting their rights.

Read More:
Consumer in the Marketplace: Consumer Rights - Economics Class 10