New Delhi: Consumers are important, and their rights matter. National Consumer Day, also known as Bharatiya Grahak Diwas, is observed on December 24 every year in India to spread awareness about consumer rights and the power of consumers.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, every Indian citizen is conferred rights to maintain consumers’ integrity and protect them from malpractices. It should be noted that World Consumers Rights Day is observed on March 15 every year. Read on to learn about the history and importance of National Consumers Day in India.
When and why did National Consumers Day start in India?
In 1986, Parliament passed the Consumer Protection Bill. The President approved the bill on December 24, 1986, and it became law. To celebrate this law, we observe December 24 as National Consumer Day.
The Consumer Protection Act helps consumers get quick and easy compensation for complaints. It encourages people to speak up about poor quality or faulty goods and services. The Act defines six rights for all Indian consumers and outlines five responsibilities that consumers should meet.
The Act was updated in 1991, 1993, and 2002 to improve its effectiveness. The latest changes took effect on March 15, 2003.
In August 2019, Parliament passed the Consumer Protection Act 2019, replacing the 1986 version. This new law came into effect in July 2020.
Significance
National Consumer Day aims to inform consumers about their rights and responsibilities. Consumers are protected from unfair trade practices like hoarding, false advertisements, and poor-quality products. They can file complaints through accessible grievance redressal forums. This Act ensures that consumer disputes are settled efficiently.
What are the six rights of a consumer in India?
The Consumer Rights Act was established on December 24, 1986, and has been National Consumer Day since that date. Many groups and activists worked hard to establish this law. According to the Consumer Protection Act, every Indian consumer has six rights.
Right to security
Right to information
Right to choose
Right to have a say
Right to grievance and redressal
Right to education of consumer rights
Right to Security: Consumers have the right to be safe from products and services that could harm their health or life.
Right to Information: Consumers have the right to receive clear and accurate information about the products or services they buy, including ingredients, how to use them, and any risks.
Right to Choose: Consumers should have access to many different products and services at fair prices.
Right to Have a Say: Consumers can share their complaints and feedback.
Right to Grievance and Redressal: If a consumer is harmed or treated unfairly, they have the right to seek compensation.
Right to Education of Consumer Rights: Consumers should learn about their rights and responsibilities when buying products and services.
Consumer Protection Laws in India
India has several laws to protect consumers:
Consumer Protection Act, 1986: This law sets up consumer councils and other groups to help resolve consumer disputes.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019: This updated law includes rules for online shopping, product responsibility, and mediation and creates a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
Legal Metrology Act, 2009: This law regulates measurement standards for goods sold in India.
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: This law focuses on food safety and regulates food products.
National Consumer Day commemorates the 1986 Consumer Protection Act, which safeguards consumer rights. The Act, updated in 2019, grants consumers six key rights. It aims to protect against unfair trade practices and ensure efficient dispute resolution, highlighting the importance of consumer awareness and empowerment. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
