RIGHTS EVERY CONSUMER MUST KNOW

What are consumer rights?

Consumer rights are the rights to be informed about the price, quality, quality, standards and purity of goods and services they purchase from the shopkeepers, traders, producers, etc.

Why do we need consumer rights?

We need consumer rights to protect ourselves from the exploitation against the unjust trade practices of traders, shopkeepers and producers of goods and services. The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was established to ensure fair market competition and the free flow of accurate information from providers of goods and services to those who consume them In fact, a country's level of consumer protection is widely recognised as a reliable measure of its advancement. The high level of sophistication obtained by goods and service providers in their marketing and selling activities, as well as various sorts of promotional chores such as advertising, has led in a growing demand for more consumer awareness and protection. The Indian government has recognised the plight of Indian consumers, and as a result, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has established the Department of Consumer Affairs as the nodal organisation for protecting consumer rights, resolving consumer grievances, and promoting standards governing goods and services in India.

CONSUMER RIGHTS

There are 6 consumer rights which are very important for a consumer to know. These rights are as follows:

1. Right to Safety

The right to safety means right to be safeguarded against the marketing of goods and services that are dangerous to life and property' is referred to as the Right to Safety. It's mostly used in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. Automobiles, housing, domestic appliances, and travel are all examples of industries that have an indirect impact on health.

2. Right to Choose

The right to be assured of having access to a wide range of goods and services at reasonable rates.

3. Right to Information

Right to Information is defined by the Customer Protection Act of 1986 as "the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods in order to protect the consumer from unjust commercial practices."

4. Right to be Heard

Right to be heard means 'The right to be heard and the assurance that consumers' interests will be taken into account in suitable forums.' Consumers have the right to come out without fear, make a complaint, and speak out against any products or services. There are websites that allow customers to submit complaints, which are then validated and directed to consumer courts for resolution.

5. Right to Redressal

Right to redressal means 'The right to seek redress against unjust trade practices or unethical consumer exploitation,' says the Right to Redressal. Consumer courts have been established with the support of the Consumer Protection Act to allow customers to seek remedies for unfair trade practices or exploitation. District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums are located at the district level, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions are located at the state level, and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions are located at the national level.

6. Right to Consumer Education

The right assures that consumers in the country have easy access to informational programmes and resources that can assist them in making better decisions when it comes to purchasing goods and services. Information can be disseminated through formal education offered by educational institutions or through public awareness campaigns organised by government agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).