Unit Test (Solutions): Consumer Rights | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour       

M.M.: 30

Instructions: Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
 Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
 Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
 Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. What is the main objective of consumer rights? (1 Mark)

a) To promote business growth
b) To ensure consumers are treated fairly
c) To help only online shoppers
d) To reduce government interference

Ans: b) To ensure consumers are treated fairly

The main objective of consumer rights is to ensure that consumers are treated fairly, protecting them from exploitation. Options a, c, and d do not focus on consumer protection.

Q2. When is National Consumers’ Day observed in India? (1 Mark)

a) 15 August
b) 2 October
c) 24 December
d) 26 January

Ans: c) 24 December

National Consumers’ Day is observed on 24 December in India to promote consumer rights. The other dates do not relate to consumer rights specifically.

Q3. Which right ensures that a consumer is protected against hazardous goods and services? (1 Mark)

a) Right to be informed
b) Right to safety
c) Right to choose
d) Right to seek redressal

Ans: b) Right to safety

The 'Right to safety' protects consumers from hazardous goods and services. The other options focus on different aspects of consumer rights.

Q4. Name any one exploitative practice commonly found in the marketplace. (1 Mark)

a) Price gouging
b) False advertising
c) Bait and switch
d) All of the above

Ans: d) All of the above

All listed practices are exploitative and commonly found in the marketplace, affecting consumer rights and choices.

Q5. What does MRP stand for, and why is it important for consumers? (1 Mark)
Ans: MRP stands for Maximum Retail Price. It is the highest price that can be charged for a product. Understanding MRP is important for consumers for several reasons:

• Price Transparency: MRP helps consumers know the maximum price they should pay.
• Consumer Rights: It allows consumers to challenge sellers who charge more than the MRP.
• Bargaining Power: Consumers can negotiate prices, especially if they find a product priced above MRP.

Q6. State any one reason why rules and regulations are needed in the unorganised sector. Give an example. (2 Marks)
Ans: Rules and regulations are essential in the unorganised sector to protect workers from exploitation and unfair practices. Without these guidelines, workers may face:

• Low wages that do not meet basic needs.
• Unsafe working conditions that can harm their health.
• Pressure to accept unfair terms from employers.

For example, moneylenders in the informal sector often use deceptive tactics to bind borrowers, such as forcing them to sell their produce at low prices in exchange for loans. This highlights the need for regulations to prevent such exploitation.

Q7. What is COPRA? Mention one major feature of it. (2 Marks)
Ans: COPRA stands for the Consumer Protection Act, which was enacted in India in 1986. It aims to protect the rights of consumers and ensure fair trade practices. One major feature of COPRA is:

• Three-tier dispute resolution system: COPRA establishes a structured mechanism for addressing consumer complaints through district, state, and national consumer commissions.

Q8. What is the role of consumer forums in protecting consumer rights? (2 Marks)
Ans: The consumer movement in India has led to the establishment of various organisations, known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils. Their roles include:

• Guiding consumers on how to file cases in the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.
• Representing individual consumers in these commissions when necessary.
• Receiving financial support from the government to raise awareness among the public.

For instance, in residential areas, Residents' Welfare Associations advocate for their members against unfair trade practices. Under the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA), a three-tier quasi-judicial system exists at the district, state, and national levels to address consumer grievances effectively.

Q9. Explain any three rights provided to consumers by law. (3 Marks)
Ans: The Consumer Protection Act 1986 grants several rights to consumers in India. Here are three key rights:

• Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be protected from products that are hazardous to health or life.
• Right to Information: Consumers are entitled to receive accurate information about products, including ingredients, usage, and potential risks.
• Right to Redressal: Consumers have the right to seek compensation for any harm or loss caused by unfair trade practices.

Q10. What were the main reasons behind the beginning of the consumer movement in India in the 1960s? (3 Marks)
Ans: The consumer movement in India began in the 1960s due to several key factors:

• Unethical Practices: There was widespread unfair trade and exploitation of consumers by sellers.
• Food Shortages: Rampant issues like food shortages, hoarding, and black marketing led to a demand for consumer protection.
• Adulteration: The adulteration of food and edible oils raised concerns about product quality.
• Lack of Awareness: Consumers were often unaware of their rights and responsibilities, which necessitated the formation of consumer groups.
• Legal Framework: The absence of a legal system for consumer protection highlighted the need for organised advocacy.

Q11. Why is it important to become a well-informed consumer? Give three points. (3 Marks) 
Ans: Becoming a well-informed consumer is essential for several reasons:

• Empowerment: Knowledge about products and services enables consumers to make better choices, ensuring they get value for their money.
• Protection: Being informed helps consumers understand their rights, making it easier to identify and report unfair practices.
• Awareness: A well-informed consumer can recognise quality and safety standards, reducing the risk of purchasing defective or harmful products.

Q12. Describe any five unfair trade practices that consumers need protection against in the marketplace. (5 Marks)
Ans:

• False Advertising: Some sellers make misleading claims about their products, suggesting they have benefits or features that they do not possess.
• Price Gouging: During emergencies, some businesses may inflate prices excessively, taking advantage of consumers' urgent needs.
• Hidden Fees: Traders may add unexpected charges that were not disclosed at the time of purchase, leading to higher costs for consumers.
• Substandard Goods: Selling products that are defective or of inferior quality without informing the consumer is a common unfair practice.
• Pressure Selling: Some sellers use aggressive tactics to pressure consumers into making purchases, often leading to regret or buyer’s remorse.

Q13. Explain the three-tier quasi-judicial system established under COPRA. What is its significance for consumers? (5 Marks)
Ans: The three-tier quasi-judicial system established under COPRA (Consumer Protection Act) consists of:

• District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: Handles cases with claims up to ₹1 crore.
• State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: Deals with claims between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore.
• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: Addresses cases involving claims exceeding ₹10 crore.

This structure is significant for consumers because:

• It provides a clear hierarchy for addressing consumer grievances.
• Consumers can appeal decisions from lower commissions to higher ones.
• It facilitates quicker resolution of disputes compared to traditional courts.
• It empowers consumers by ensuring their rights are protected and upheld.

Overall, this system enhances consumer confidence and promotes fair trade practices.