What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution?
The factors that gave birth to the consumer movement in India are manifold. It started as a “social force” with the need to protect and promote consumer interests against unfair and unethical trade practices. Extreme food shortages, hoarding, black marketing and adulteration of food led to the consumer movement becoming an organised arena in the 1960s. Till the 1970s, consumer organisations were mostly busy writing articles and holding exhibitions. More recently, there has been an upsurge in the number of consumer groups who have shown concern towards ration shop malpractices and overcrowding of public transport vehicles. In 1986, the Indian government enacted the Consumer Protection Act, also known as COPRA. This was a major step in the consumer movement in India.
Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.
Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit a shopping complex in your locality.
Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet. Which logo or mark you will have to look for and why?
Say True or False.
(i) COPRA applies only to goods.
(ii) India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
(iii) When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District Consumer Court.
(iv) It is worthwhile to move to consumer courts only if the damages incurred are of high value.
(v) Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardisation of jewellry.
(vi) The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick.
(vii) A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of the damage.
Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet. Which logo or mark you will have to look for and why?
What are the difficulties a consumer faces when he wants to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitatio
Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples .