Question

Mention some of the rights of consumers and write a few sentences on each.

Answer
Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution,
Government of India have given the consumers eight rights to protect themselves from being
exploited in the market.
The eight rights of consumers are:-
● Right to safety
● Right to be informed
● Right to choose
● Right to be heard
● Right to Seek redressal
● Right to consumer education

Now let us discuss the eight consumer rights briefly.

Right to safety
It refers to the right to be protected while purchasing goods or services that are damaging to
one's health or property. Purchased goods and services should fit not just their immediate
demands, but also their long-term goals. Before making a purchase, consumers should consider
the product quality as well as the product and service quality. They should choose ISI,
AGMARK, and other high-quality brands.

Right to be informed
To protect consumers from unfair trade practices, consumers have the right to be informed
about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods. Before making a
choice or a decision, the consumer should insist on receiving all available information about the
product or service. This will allow him to act sensibly and ethically while also preventing him
from succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics.

Right to choose
Means the right to be assured of access to a diverse range of products and services at a
reasonable cost wherever possible. It means the right to be assured of adequate quality and
service at a reasonable price in the case of monopolies. The right to essential goods and
services is also included. This is because a minority's unlimited ability to choose can result in
the majority's fair share being denied. In a competitive market, where a wide range of goods are
accessible at competitive rates, this right can be better exercised.

Right to be heard
Means that the interests of consumers will be taken into account in relevant forums. It also
involves the right to be represented in various forums established to look after the interests of
consumers. Consumers should organise non-political, non-commercial consumer organisations
that can be represented on various government and non-governmental committees dealing with
consumer issues.

Right to seek redressal

Means the right to seek redress in the event of unfair trade practices or consumer abuse. It also
involves the right to a just resolution of a consumer's real grievances. Consumers must file a
complaint if they have legitimate grievances. Their complaint may be minor in nature, but its
influence on society as a whole can be significant. They can also seek redress of their problems
with the support of consumer organisations.

Right to consumer education

The right to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be a well-informed consumer throughout
one's life. Consumer ignorance, particularly among rural customers, is largely to blame for their
exploitation. They should be aware of their rights and should be able to exercise them. Only
then can genuine consumer protection be possible.

MCQs

1:- How many rights are given by the government of India to it's consumers?

(A) Four rights

(B) Ten rights
(C) Eight rights
(D) Two rights

2:- Which right confirms consumer safety?

(A) Right to be informed

(B) Right to safety
(C) Right to be heard
(D) Right to consumer education