Role of government in consumer protection.

Consumer Right : 
1.    SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT
Example of Reji :
Reji’s suffering shows how a hospital, due to negligence by the doctors and staff in giving anaesthesia, crippled a student for life. While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.
2.    Information about goods and services
When you buy any commodity, you will find certain details given on the packing. These details are about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. When we buy medicines, on the packets, you might find ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects and risks associated with usage of that medicine. When you buy garments, you will find information on ‘instructions for washing’.
Why is it that rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information? 
It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells a good at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by MRP’ – maximum retail price. In fact consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP.
In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Government .
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.
Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service.
Suppose you want to buy toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a tooth brush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, your right to choice is denied.

Where should consumers go to get justice?
3.    Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage is done to a consumer, she/he has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done (refer to the example as given on pg. 82-83 of the lesson).
The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.
They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.
If you are living in a residential colony, you might have noticed name boards of Resident Welfare Associations. If there is any unfair trade practice meted out to their members they take up the case on their behalf.
Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.
The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto Rs. 20 lakhs, the state level courts between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts.

Illustration 7
    What is meant by ‘Right to be informed’?
Solution

 ‘Right to be informed’ means that consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services they purchase. This right helps the consumers to complain and ask for a compensation or replacement if the product is not as per specifications given on the packing.

Illustration 8
 List the possible specifications given on the packet of a good.
Solution
The packet contains details about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, address of the manufacturer and the MRP. Some items may have information directions for use or risks involved.

Illustration 9
    Explain the judicial mechanism for dealing with consumer cases.
Solution
A three tier judicial machinery has been set under COPRA at district, state and national levels for redressal of consumer disputes. Claims upto 20 lakhs are dealt at district level, between 20 lakhs and 1 crore at national level. The consumer can appeal to a higher court, if the case is dismissed at lower level.

LEARNING TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED CONSUMERS :
When we as consumers become conscious of our rights, while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer.
The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer Affairs in central and state, government.
The posters that you have seen are one example through which government spread information about legal process which people can use. You might also be seeing such advertisements on television channels.

TAKING THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT FORWARD :
India has been observing 24 December as the National Consumers’ Day. It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. India is one of the countries that have exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
The consumer movement in India has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. There are today more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.
However, the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings etc.
In most purchases cash memos are not issued hence evidence is not easy to gather. Moreover most purchases in the market are small retail sales. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. Besides this the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sectors is weak. Similarly, rules and regulations for working of markets are often not followed.
Nevertheless, there is scope for consumers to realise their role and importance. It is often said that consumer movements can be effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires a voluntary effort and struggle involving the participation of one and all.
 

Consumer Right : 
1.    SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT
Example of Reji :
Reji’s suffering shows how a hospital, due to negligence by the doctors and staff in giving anaesthesia, crippled a student for life. While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.
2.    Information about goods and services
When you buy any commodity, you will find certain details given on the packing. These details are about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. When we buy medicines, on the packets, you might find ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects and risks associated with usage of that medicine. When you buy garments, you will find information on ‘instructions for washing’.
Why is it that rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information? 
It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells a good at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by MRP’ – maximum retail price. In fact consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP.
In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Government .
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.
Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service.
Suppose you want to buy toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a tooth brush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, your right to choice is denied.

Where should consumers go to get justice?
3.    Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage is done to a consumer, she/he has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done (refer to the example as given on pg. 82-83 of the lesson).
The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.
They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.
If you are living in a residential colony, you might have noticed name boards of Resident Welfare Associations. If there is any unfair trade practice meted out to their members they take up the case on their behalf.
Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.
The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto Rs. 20 lakhs, the state level courts between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts.

Illustration 7
    What is meant by ‘Right to be informed’?
Solution

 ‘Right to be informed’ means that consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services they purchase. This right helps the consumers to complain and ask for a compensation or replacement if the product is not as per specifications given on the packing.

Illustration 8
 List the possible specifications given on the packet of a good.
Solution
The packet contains details about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, address of the manufacturer and the MRP. Some items may have information directions for use or risks involved.

Illustration 9
    Explain the judicial mechanism for dealing with consumer cases.
Solution
A three tier judicial machinery has been set under COPRA at district, state and national levels for redressal of consumer disputes. Claims upto 20 lakhs are dealt at district level, between 20 lakhs and 1 crore at national level. The consumer can appeal to a higher court, if the case is dismissed at lower level.

LEARNING TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED CONSUMERS :
When we as consumers become conscious of our rights, while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer.
The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer Affairs in central and state, government.
The posters that you have seen are one example through which government spread information about legal process which people can use. You might also be seeing such advertisements on television channels.

TAKING THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT FORWARD :
India has been observing 24 December as the National Consumers’ Day. It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. India is one of the countries that have exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
The consumer movement in India has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. There are today more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.
However, the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings etc.
In most purchases cash memos are not issued hence evidence is not easy to gather. Moreover most purchases in the market are small retail sales. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. Besides this the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sectors is weak. Similarly, rules and regulations for working of markets are often not followed.
Nevertheless, there is scope for consumers to realise their role and importance. It is often said that consumer movements can be effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires a voluntary effort and struggle involving the participation of one and all.
 

Consumer Right : 
1.    SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT
Example of Reji :
Reji’s suffering shows how a hospital, due to negligence by the doctors and staff in giving anaesthesia, crippled a student for life. While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.
2.    Information about goods and services
When you buy any commodity, you will find certain details given on the packing. These details are about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. When we buy medicines, on the packets, you might find ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects and risks associated with usage of that medicine. When you buy garments, you will find information on ‘instructions for washing’.
Why is it that rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information? 
It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells a good at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by MRP’ – maximum retail price. In fact consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP.
In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Government .
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.
Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service.
Suppose you want to buy toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a tooth brush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, your right to choice is denied.

Where should consumers go to get justice?
3.    Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage is done to a consumer, she/he has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done (refer to the example as given on pg. 82-83 of the lesson).
The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.
They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.
If you are living in a residential colony, you might have noticed name boards of Resident Welfare Associations. If there is any unfair trade practice meted out to their members they take up the case on their behalf.
Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.
The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto Rs. 20 lakhs, the state level courts between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts.

Illustration 7
    What is meant by ‘Right to be informed’?
Solution

 ‘Right to be informed’ means that consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services they purchase. This right helps the consumers to complain and ask for a compensation or replacement if the product is not as per specifications given on the packing.

Illustration 8
 List the possible specifications given on the packet of a good.
Solution
The packet contains details about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, address of the manufacturer and the MRP. Some items may have information directions for use or risks involved.

Illustration 9
    Explain the judicial mechanism for dealing with consumer cases.
Solution
A three tier judicial machinery has been set under COPRA at district, state and national levels for redressal of consumer disputes. Claims upto 20 lakhs are dealt at district level, between 20 lakhs and 1 crore at national level. The consumer can appeal to a higher court, if the case is dismissed at lower level.

LEARNING TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED CONSUMERS :
When we as consumers become conscious of our rights, while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer.
The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer Affairs in central and state, government.
The posters that you have seen are one example through which government spread information about legal process which people can use. You might also be seeing such advertisements on television channels.

TAKING THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT FORWARD :
India has been observing 24 December as the National Consumers’ Day. It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. India is one of the countries that have exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
The consumer movement in India has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. There are today more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.
However, the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings etc.
In most purchases cash memos are not issued hence evidence is not easy to gather. Moreover most purchases in the market are small retail sales. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. Besides this the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sectors is weak. Similarly, rules and regulations for working of markets are often not followed.
Nevertheless, there is scope for consumers to realise their role and importance. It is often said that consumer movements can be effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires a voluntary effort and struggle involving the participation of one and all.
 

Consumer Right : 
1.    SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT
Example of Reji :
Reji’s suffering shows how a hospital, due to negligence by the doctors and staff in giving anaesthesia, crippled a student for life. While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.
2.    Information about goods and services
When you buy any commodity, you will find certain details given on the packing. These details are about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. When we buy medicines, on the packets, you might find ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects and risks associated with usage of that medicine. When you buy garments, you will find information on ‘instructions for washing’.
Why is it that rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information? 
It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells a good at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by MRP’ – maximum retail price. In fact consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP.
In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Government .
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.
Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service.
Suppose you want to buy toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a tooth brush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, your right to choice is denied.

Where should consumers go to get justice?
3.    Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage is done to a consumer, she/he has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done (refer to the example as given on pg. 82-83 of the lesson).
The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.
They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.
If you are living in a residential colony, you might have noticed name boards of Resident Welfare Associations. If there is any unfair trade practice meted out to their members they take up the case on their behalf.
Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.
The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto Rs. 20 lakhs, the state level courts between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts.

Illustration 7
    What is meant by ‘Right to be informed’?
Solution

 ‘Right to be informed’ means that consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services they purchase. This right helps the consumers to complain and ask for a compensation or replacement if the product is not as per specifications given on the packing.

Illustration 8
 List the possible specifications given on the packet of a good.
Solution
The packet contains details about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, address of the manufacturer and the MRP. Some items may have information directions for use or risks involved.

Illustration 9
    Explain the judicial mechanism for dealing with consumer cases.
Solution
A three tier judicial machinery has been set under COPRA at district, state and national levels for redressal of consumer disputes. Claims upto 20 lakhs are dealt at district level, between 20 lakhs and 1 crore at national level. The consumer can appeal to a higher court, if the case is dismissed at lower level.

LEARNING TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED CONSUMERS :
When we as consumers become conscious of our rights, while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer.
The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer Affairs in central and state, government.
The posters that you have seen are one example through which government spread information about legal process which people can use. You might also be seeing such advertisements on television channels.

TAKING THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT FORWARD :
India has been observing 24 December as the National Consumers’ Day. It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. India is one of the countries that have exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
The consumer movement in India has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. There are today more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.
However, the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings etc.
In most purchases cash memos are not issued hence evidence is not easy to gather. Moreover most purchases in the market are small retail sales. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. Besides this the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sectors is weak. Similarly, rules and regulations for working of markets are often not followed.
Nevertheless, there is scope for consumers to realise their role and importance. It is often said that consumer movements can be effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires a voluntary effort and struggle involving the participation of one and all.
 

Consumer Right : 
1.    SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT
Example of Reji :
Reji’s suffering shows how a hospital, due to negligence by the doctors and staff in giving anaesthesia, crippled a student for life. While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.
2.    Information about goods and services
When you buy any commodity, you will find certain details given on the packing. These details are about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. When we buy medicines, on the packets, you might find ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects and risks associated with usage of that medicine. When you buy garments, you will find information on ‘instructions for washing’.
Why is it that rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information? 
It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells a good at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by MRP’ – maximum retail price. In fact consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP.
In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Government .
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.
Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service.
Suppose you want to buy toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a tooth brush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, your right to choice is denied.

Where should consumers go to get justice?
3.    Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage is done to a consumer, she/he has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done (refer to the example as given on pg. 82-83 of the lesson).
The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.
They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.
If you are living in a residential colony, you might have noticed name boards of Resident Welfare Associations. If there is any unfair trade practice meted out to their members they take up the case on their behalf.
Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.
The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto Rs. 20 lakhs, the state level courts between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts.

Illustration 7
    What is meant by ‘Right to be informed’?
Solution

 ‘Right to be informed’ means that consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services they purchase. This right helps the consumers to complain and ask for a compensation or replacement if the product is not as per specifications given on the packing.

Illustration 8
 List the possible specifications given on the packet of a good.
Solution
The packet contains details about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, address of the manufacturer and the MRP. Some items may have information directions for use or risks involved.

Illustration 9
    Explain the judicial mechanism for dealing with consumer cases.
Solution
A three tier judicial machinery has been set under COPRA at district, state and national levels for redressal of consumer disputes. Claims upto 20 lakhs are dealt at district level, between 20 lakhs and 1 crore at national level. The consumer can appeal to a higher court, if the case is dismissed at lower level.

LEARNING TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED CONSUMERS :
When we as consumers become conscious of our rights, while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer.
The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer Affairs in central and state, government.
The posters that you have seen are one example through which government spread information about legal process which people can use. You might also be seeing such advertisements on television channels.

TAKING THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT FORWARD :
India has been observing 24 December as the National Consumers’ Day. It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. India is one of the countries that have exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
The consumer movement in India has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. There are today more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.
However, the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings etc.
In most purchases cash memos are not issued hence evidence is not easy to gather. Moreover most purchases in the market are small retail sales. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. Besides this the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sectors is weak. Similarly, rules and regulations for working of markets are often not followed.
Nevertheless, there is scope for consumers to realise their role and importance. It is often said that consumer movements can be effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires a voluntary effort and struggle involving the participation of one and all.
 

Consumer Right : 
1.    SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT
Example of Reji :
Reji’s suffering shows how a hospital, due to negligence by the doctors and staff in giving anaesthesia, crippled a student for life. While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.
2.    Information about goods and services
When you buy any commodity, you will find certain details given on the packing. These details are about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. When we buy medicines, on the packets, you might find ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects and risks associated with usage of that medicine. When you buy garments, you will find information on ‘instructions for washing’.
Why is it that rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information? 
It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells a good at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by MRP’ – maximum retail price. In fact consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP.
In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Government .
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.
Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service.
Suppose you want to buy toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a tooth brush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, your right to choice is denied.

Where should consumers go to get justice?
3.    Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage is done to a consumer, she/he has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done (refer to the example as given on pg. 82-83 of the lesson).
The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.
They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.
If you are living in a residential colony, you might have noticed name boards of Resident Welfare Associations. If there is any unfair trade practice meted out to their members they take up the case on their behalf.
Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.
The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto Rs. 20 lakhs, the state level courts between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts.

Illustration 7
    What is meant by ‘Right to be informed’?
Solution

 ‘Right to be informed’ means that consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services they purchase. This right helps the consumers to complain and ask for a compensation or replacement if the product is not as per specifications given on the packing.

Illustration 8
 List the possible specifications given on the packet of a good.
Solution
The packet contains details about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, address of the manufacturer and the MRP. Some items may have information directions for use or risks involved.

Illustration 9
    Explain the judicial mechanism for dealing with consumer cases.
Solution
A three tier judicial machinery has been set under COPRA at district, state and national levels for redressal of consumer disputes. Claims upto 20 lakhs are dealt at district level, between 20 lakhs and 1 crore at national level. The consumer can appeal to a higher court, if the case is dismissed at lower level.

LEARNING TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED CONSUMERS :
When we as consumers become conscious of our rights, while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer.
The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer Affairs in central and state, government.
The posters that you have seen are one example through which government spread information about legal process which people can use. You might also be seeing such advertisements on television channels.

TAKING THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT FORWARD :
India has been observing 24 December as the National Consumers’ Day. It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. India is one of the countries that have exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
The consumer movement in India has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. There are today more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.
However, the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings etc.
In most purchases cash memos are not issued hence evidence is not easy to gather. Moreover most purchases in the market are small retail sales. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. Besides this the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sectors is weak. Similarly, rules and regulations for working of markets are often not followed.
Nevertheless, there is scope for consumers to realise their role and importance. It is often said that consumer movements can be effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires a voluntary effort and struggle involving the participation of one and all.
 

Consumer Right : 
1.    SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT
Example of Reji :
Reji’s suffering shows how a hospital, due to negligence by the doctors and staff in giving anaesthesia, crippled a student for life. While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if it is defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. You also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained. However, we do find bad quality products in the market because the supervision of these rules is weak and the consumer movement is also not strong enough.
2.    Information about goods and services
When you buy any commodity, you will find certain details given on the packing. These details are about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and the address of the manufacturer. When we buy medicines, on the packets, you might find ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects and risks associated with usage of that medicine. When you buy garments, you will find information on ‘instructions for washing’.
Why is it that rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information? 
It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
Similarly, one can protest and complain if someone sells a good at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by MRP’ – maximum retail price. In fact consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP.
In recent times, the right to information has been expanded to cover various services provided by the Government .
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.
Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service.
Suppose you want to buy toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a tooth brush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, your right to choice is denied.

Where should consumers go to get justice?
3.    Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage is done to a consumer, she/he has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage. There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done (refer to the example as given on pg. 82-83 of the lesson).
The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.
They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.
If you are living in a residential colony, you might have noticed name boards of Resident Welfare Associations. If there is any unfair trade practice meted out to their members they take up the case on their behalf.
Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.
The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto Rs. 20 lakhs, the state level courts between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts.

Illustration 7
    What is meant by ‘Right to be informed’?
Solution

 ‘Right to be informed’ means that consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services they purchase. This right helps the consumers to complain and ask for a compensation or replacement if the product is not as per specifications given on the packing.

Illustration 8
 List the possible specifications given on the packet of a good.
Solution
The packet contains details about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, address of the manufacturer and the MRP. Some items may have information directions for use or risks involved.

Illustration 9
    Explain the judicial mechanism for dealing with consumer cases.
Solution
A three tier judicial machinery has been set under COPRA at district, state and national levels for redressal of consumer disputes. Claims upto 20 lakhs are dealt at district level, between 20 lakhs and 1 crore at national level. The consumer can appeal to a higher court, if the case is dismissed at lower level.

LEARNING TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED CONSUMERS :
When we as consumers become conscious of our rights, while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer.
The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer Affairs in central and state, government.
The posters that you have seen are one example through which government spread information about legal process which people can use. You might also be seeing such advertisements on television channels.

TAKING THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT FORWARD :
India has been observing 24 December as the National Consumers’ Day. It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986. India is one of the countries that have exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
The consumer movement in India has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. There are today more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.
However, the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings etc.
In most purchases cash memos are not issued hence evidence is not easy to gather. Moreover most purchases in the market are small retail sales. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
After 20 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. Besides this the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sectors is weak. Similarly, rules and regulations for working of markets are often not followed.
Nevertheless, there is scope for consumers to realise their role and importance. It is often said that consumer movements can be effective only with the consumers’ active involvement. It requires a voluntary effort and struggle involving the participation of one and all.