|
Rights and Duties of the Consumers
1. The right
to consumer education.
Means the right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed
consumer throughout life. Ignorance of consumers, particularly of rural
consumers, is mainly responsible for their exploitation. They should know
their rights and must exercise them. Only then real consumer protection can
be achieved with success.
2. The right
to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trades
practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
Means right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or
unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. It also includes right to fair
settlement of the genuine grievances of the consumer.
Consumers must make complaint for their genuine grievances. Many a times
their complaint may be of small value but its impact on the society as a
whole may be very large. They can also take the help of consumer
organizations in seeking redressal of their grievances.
3. The right
to be heard and be assured that consumer interest will receive due
consideration at appropriate forums.
Means that consumer's interests will receive due consideration at
appropriate forums. It also includes right to be represented in various
forums formed to consider the consumer's welfare.
The Consumers should form non-political and non-commercial consumer
organizations which can be given representation in various committees formed
by the Government and other bodies in matters relating to consumers.
4. The right
to be assured of access to a variety of goods and services at competitive
prices, wherever possible.
Means right to be assured, wherever possible of access to variety of
goods and services at competitive price. In case of monopolies, it means
right to be assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price.
It also includes right to basic goods and services. This is because
unrestricted right of the minority to choose can mean a denial for the
majority of its fair share. This right can be better exercised in a
competitive market where a variety of goods are available at competitive
prices.
5. The right
to be informed about the quality, quantity, etc. of goods and services, so
as to be protected from unfair trade practices.
Means right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity,
standard and price of goods so as to protect the consumer against unfair
trade practices.
Consumer should insist on getting all the information about the product or
service before making a choice or a decision. This will enable him to act
wisely and responsibly and also enable him to desist from falling prey to
high-pressure selling techniques.
6. The right
to be protected against the marketing of goods and services that are
hazardous to life and property.
Means right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services,
which are hazardous to life and property. The purchased goods and services
availed of should not only meet their immediate needs, but also fulfill long
term interests.
Before
purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of the products as well
as on the guarantee of the products and services. They should preferably
purchase quality marked products such as ISI, AGMARK, etc.
Top
DUTIES
OF CONSUMERS:-
Insist on receipts or bill without fail, on all the purchases
made.
Read information carefully on the packets before purchase.
Do not feel tempted on misleading advertisements.
Buy standardized products only i.e. of ISI. AGMARK BRANDS.
File consumer complaints against default in goods deficiency in services, or
unfair trade practice.
PRECAUTIONS
FOR CONSUMERS:-
Purchase only when you need and do not purchase in a hurry.
Do not buy blindly. Demand full information before you buy.
Beware of false/misleading advertisements.
Do not compromise on the quality of goods and services and its quality.
Purchase only quality products.
Do not forget to obtain proper receipt/cash memo. Always obtain the
guarantee/warranty card duly stamped and signed by the shopkeeper, wherever
necessary. These can be helpful in consumer courts.
Top
|
