Consumer Rights - 2 - Free MCQ Practice Test with solutions, Class 10 SST

Consumer courts are special courts for consumers who buy or avail services. Consumer courts works under/as per Consumer Protection Act 1986 (CPA 1986). Any customer who falls under definition of consumer under CPA 1986 can lodge his/her complaint in forums.

The basic objective of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Public Authorities, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in real sense.

 Consumer Forums are special courts for consumers who buy or avail services. Consumer forums works under/as per Consumer Protection Act 1986 (CPA 1986). Any customer who falls under definition of consumer under CPA 1986 can lodge his/her complaint in forums.

ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) is the organisation that sets standards of products at the international level.

There were many factors that gave birth to the consumer movement in India. It started as a social force with the need to protect the consumers against unfair and unethical trade practices being followed by many retailers and manufacturers. These included creating artificial shortages, hoarding cereals and other agricultural products, black marketing of goods and adulteration of cooking oils and food items. Till 1986, consumer organizations were highlighting issues by writing articles in newspapers and magazines about these bad practices of merchants.

Adulteration is a scientific term which means to decrease the quality of a substance by adding another one in it. Adulteration is a legal term meaning that a food product fails to meet the legal standards.

• Objective: The Consumer Protection Act aims to protect the rights of consumers and provide them with a mechanism for redressal in case of any unfair trade practices or exploitation.



• Key Provisions: The act provides various provisions to safeguard consumer interests, such as:
  
  
  
  • Establishment of Consumer Protection Councils at national, state, and district levels to promote and protect the rights of consumers.
  
  
  • Establishment of Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions at district, state, and national levels to provide speedy and efficient resolution of consumer disputes.
  
  
  • Prohibition of unfair trade practices, deceptive advertisements, and misleading representations by businesses.
  
  
  • Right to seek compensation for any loss or injury caused due to defective goods or deficient services.
  
  
  • Provisions for product liability and the right to file class action suits.
  
  
  • Establishment of Consumer Protection Councils at national, state, and district levels to promote and protect the rights of consumers.
  
  
  
  



• Consumer Rights: The act recognizes and protects certain rights of consumers, including:
  
  
  
  • Right to safety: Consumers have the right to be protected against goods or services that are hazardous to life and property.
  
  
  • Right to information: Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, price, and other relevant aspects of goods or services.
  
  
  • Right to choose: Consumers have the right to choose from a variety of goods or services at competitive prices.
  
  
  • Right to be heard: Consumers have the right to be heard and have their grievances addressed.
  
  
  • Right to seek redressal: Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or exploitation.
  
  
  
  



• Consumer Disputes Redressal: The act provides for a three-tier redressal system for consumer disputes:
  
  
  
  • District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission: Deals with claims up to Rs. 20 lakh.
  
  
  • State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission: Deals with claims between Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 1 crore.
  
  
  • National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission: Deals with claims above Rs. 1 crore.
  
  
  
  



• Consumer Awareness and Education: The act emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and education by promoting consumer organizations, conducting awareness programs, and encouraging research and publication on consumer-related issues.



• Penalties and Remedies: The act provides for penalties and remedies in case of violations, including compensation, refund, replacement, discontinuation of unfair trade practices, and imprisonment in some cases.

Some factors are:
Lack of awareness of consumer rights among buyers.
Improper and inadequate monitoring of rules and regulations.
Individual prchase quantity is quite small.
Consumers are scattered over large areas.
Lack of awareness among consumers.
Greed of businessperson.

When purchasing biscuits, look for the ISI mark. This mark indicates that the product meets specific quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Here are some key points regarding the ISI mark:

• The ISI mark ensures that the product has been tested for quality and safety.
• It is mandatory for certain food items to carry this certification.
• Consumers can trust products with the ISI mark for their safety and quality.

The correct answer is C: Hallmark.

Explanation:

The Hallmark certification is maintained for the standardization of jewellery.

What is Hallmark certification?

• Hallmark is a certification that ensures the purity and quality of precious metal jewellery.


• It is a quality assurance mark provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).


• The hallmark consists of the BIS logo, purity grade, and jeweler's identification mark, ensuring the authenticity of the jewellery.

Why is Hallmark certification important?

• It provides assurance to the customers about the purity and quality of the jewellery they are purchasing.


• It helps in preventing the sale of counterfeit or low-quality jewellery in the market.


• It ensures that the jewellery meets the standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Benefits of Hallmark certification:

• Authenticity: Hallmark certification assures customers that the jewellery is made of genuine precious metals.


• Purity: It guarantees the purity of the metal used in the jewellery.


• Quality: Hallmarked jewellery undergoes strict quality checks, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.


• Value for money: Customers can trust the authenticity and quality of hallmarked jewellery, providing them value for their investment.


• Consumer protection: Hallmark certification protects consumers from purchasing fake or low-quality jewellery.

In conclusion, the Hallmark certification is maintained for the standardization of jewellery. It ensures the purity, quality, and authenticity of precious metal jewellery, providing customers with confidence and value for their purchase.

• Consumer Awareness: It is important for consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the potential risks associated with various products and services. This includes being informed about their legal rights, reading and understanding product labels, and staying updated on consumer protection laws.


• Consumer Forums: These are platforms where consumers can file complaints and seek redressal for any grievances they may have against a company or service provider. Consumer forums play a crucial role in resolving disputes and ensuring that consumers are treated fairly.


• Consumer Protection Councils: These are government bodies or organizations that work towards protecting the interests of consumers. They formulate and enforce consumer protection policies, conduct investigations, and take legal action against companies that engage in unfair or deceptive practices.


• Consumer Movement: The consumer movement refers to the collective efforts of consumers to advocate for their rights and promote fair practices in the marketplace. Consumer movements help raise awareness, influence policy changes, and hold companies accountable for their actions.

AGMARK stands for Agriculture Mark. AGMARK sign is issued and certified by govt. of India directorate of marketing and inspection. It is used to certify the authentic standards for agricultural products.

• Consumers International is an organization that represents and advocates for the rights of consumers globally.


• The organization was created in 1960 by a resolution of the United Nations.


• UN recognized the need for an international body to address consumer issues and protect consumer rights.


• Consumers International works towards promoting consumer protection, ensuring fair trade practices, and improving product safety and quality.


• The organization provides a platform for consumer organizations from different countries to collaborate and share best practices.


• Consumers International also conducts research, campaigns, and advocacy to raise awareness about consumer issues and influence policy-making at national and international levels.


• Through its work, Consumers International aims to empower consumers, promote sustainable consumption, and ensure that consumer rights are respected and upheld.


• UN's support and recognition of Consumers International's role in advocating for consumer rights highlight the importance of protecting and empowering consumers in today's global market.

In order to protect the consumers from exploitation and to save them from adulterated and substandard goods and deficient services the Consumer Protection Act came into force on 15th April, 1986 and it applies to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.