When one pays money as the price of a commodity or services and uses it, he or she becomes a consumer. In this sense we all are consumers.
Consumer buys goods and services because they have some utility and satisfy human wants directly.
Markets do not work in a fair manner. Often producers are few and powerful whereas consumers purchase in small amounts and are scattered. Hence there is a need for rules and regulations to ensure protection for consumers.
Consumer movement is basically a social force which originated with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interest of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices.
Consumer movement can be more effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires voluntary effort and struggle, involving the participation of one and all.
UN guidelines are a tool for nations to adopt measures to protect consumers. In 1985 United Nations adopted some guidelines for consumer protection.
Consumer Protection Act was introduced by the Indian Government in 1986. Popularly known as COPRA, it has led to the setting up of a separate department of consumer affairs in Central and State governments.
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, ensures the following rights which every consumer in India should possess :
Right to choice
Right to information
Right to redressal
Right to representation
Right to safety
Right to consumer education.
ISI and Agmark logos represent quality standard for many products. However, for some products that affect the health and safety of consumers such as LPG cylinders, food colours and additives, cement or packed drinking water, it is mandatory on the part of the producers to get certified by these organisations.
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