The Consumer Movement

Need:
1. Safeguard against Malpractices
Objective of consumer movement is to safeguard the interest for the consumer from the malpractices
taken as one‘s own by the business community such as imposing high prices, supplying low quality
goods, creating an artificial shortage.

2. Knowledge to the Consumer

Objective of consumer movement is on educating and informing the consumers about their rights. Such
knowledge makes the consumers aware of their rights.

3. Representation of Consumers
Objective of consumer movement is to represent the consumer in front of Government bodies. There is
Consumer Guidance society are formed to protect the consumer. Consumer guidance society
represents the consumer to the government bodies for consumer protection and consumer laws.

4. Publication Unjust Practices

Objective of consumer movement is to organize peaceful portions against malpractices of businessmen
and also against anti-consumer policies of businessmen and government. Consumer movement
highlights unethical, abusive and unfair trade practices and tries to put indirect pressure on the
business community to adopt certain code of conduct.

5. Encouragement to Business Community

Objective of consumer movement is to gives co-operation and assistance to the business public in
dealing with their actual problems and trials. This positive side of consumer movement boosts the moral
of business community.

6. Assistance in Legal Matters

Objective of consumer movement is to give assistance to the consumer in legal matters. The consumer
protection organizations assist individual consumers in legal matters, i.e., the procedure to be followed
in filling a complaint to the court, legal advice and assistance, etc. Sometimes. Association can file a
case on its own if the business actions are likely to affect the good number of consumers.

7. Improving the Marketing S

Objective of consumer movement ystem is to improve the current marketing system. To fight with
the present marketing system with a view to improving it and making it more fair and favorable to
consumers. it initiates all measures, which removes ills of present marketing machinery and forces
business interest to adopt code of ethics.
Rise Of Consumer Movement
The consumer movement arose out of dissatisfaction of the consumers as many unfair practices were
being indulged in by the sellers. There was no legal system available to consumers to protect them
from exploitation in the marketplace. It was presumed that it was the responsibility of consumers to be
careful while buying a commodity or service. It took many years for organizations in India, and around
the world, to create awareness amongst the responsibility of ensuring quality of goods and services on
the sellers.

In India, the consumers movement as a “Social Force “originated with the necessity of protecting and
promoting the interests of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices. Till the 1970s,
consumer organizations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions. They formed
consumer groups to look into the malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in the road passenger
transport.

The movement succeeded in bringing pressure on business firms as well as government to correct
business conduct which may be unfair and against the interests of consumers at large. A major step
taken in 1986 by the Indian Government was te enactment of Consumer Protection Act 1986, popularly
known as COPRA

Different Rights & Responsibilities

RIGHTS
The Right to Satisfaction of Basic Needs Citizens must demand access to essential goods and services
such as adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, public utilities, water, and sanitation.

The Right to Safety and protection from hazardous goods or services.

The Right to be Informed and protected against fraudulent, deceitful or misleading information and to have
access to accurate information and facts needed to make informed choices and decisions.

The Right to Choose and have access to a variety of products and services at fair and competitive prices.

The Right to be Heard and to express and represent consumer interests in the making of economic and
political decisions.

The Right to Redress and to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

The Right to Consumer Education and to become a skilled and informed consumer capable of functioning
effectively in the marketplace.

The Right to a Healthy Environment that will enhance the quality of life and provide protection from
environmental problems for present and future generations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Responsibility to be aware of the quality and safety of goods and services before purchasing.

The Responsibility to gather all the information and facts available about a product or service as well as to
keep abreast of changes and innovations in the marketplace.

The Responsibility to Think Independently and make choices about well-considered needs and wants.

The Responsibility to Speak Out, to inform manufacturers and governments of needs and wants.

The Responsibility to Complain and inform business and other consumers of dissatisfaction with a product or
service in a fair and honest manner.

The Responsibility to be an Ethical Consumer and to be fair by not engaging in dishonest practices which
cost all consumers money.

The Responsibility to Respect the Environment and avoid waste, littering and contribution to pollution.