Explain the need and importance of consumer protection

Explain the need and importance of consumer protection

The Ministry of Law and Justice has passed The Consumer Protection Act in Parliament on 24th December 1986 which was amended in 1987 (20th November 1987) and on 14th June 1988. This Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It should be remembered that an industry can earn profit when goods are consumed or services are utilized. Business entirely depends on the consumer not only for its survival but also for its growth. Consumer protection is essential for a healthy economy.

Need and Importance of Consumer Protection:

The main object of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is to provide for better protection of the interests of consumers and for that purpose to make provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers' disputes, and for matters connected therewith. The term "consumer" has been defined as under

'Consumer means Any person who

1. Buys any goods for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment and includes any user, of such goods other than the person who buys such goods for consideration paid or promised or partly paid or partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment when such use is made with the approval of such, person. but does not include a person who obtains such goods for resale or for any commercial purpose: or deferred payment and Includes and beneficiary of such services other than the person who hires the services for consideration paid or promised, or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment, when such services are availed of with the approval of the first mentioned person."
2. The term "Consumer dispute" has been defined as under:
3. "Consumer dispute" means a dispute where the person against whom a complaint has been made, denies or disputes the allegations contained in the complaint."
4. Consumer protection is important for a healthy economy. Customer is to be protected from several abuses like adulteration, black marketing, deceptive and misleading aggressive selling techniques and/or false warrantees.
5. The need of consumer protection arises due to following reasons:
6. Protection against unsafe and dangerous products: There is a need of physical protection against the products that are unsafe and dangerous to his health and welfare. 2. Protection against deceptive and unfair trade practices: There is a need of consumer protection against deceptive and unfair trade and market practices.
7. Protection against all types of pollution: The consumers require due protection against all types of pollution so that they can enjoy a healthy environment free from air, food and water pollution.
8. Protection against the MRTP: Consumer protection is also required by the abuse Monopolistic and/or restrictive trade practices.
9. Consumer Rights: The consumers can be stated as under
10. Right to protection of health and safety: The consumers must have the right to protect health and safety against the marketing of goods which are hazardous to life and property, e.g. flammable fabrics, food colors, toys, appliances, etc.
11. Right to receive proper information to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices: The consumers have the 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.
12. Right to select goods and services: The consumers have the right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods a competitive price. It should be remembered that free competition helps to provide sufficient choice in selecting goods and services.
13. Right to be heard: The consumers have the right to be heard and to be assured that consumers interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
14. Right to seek redressal the consumer has the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. This will ensure consumer confidence and provide justice to consumers. It will also enhance sellers' reputation and goodwill.
15. Right to receive After-sale Services: The consumers have right to receive Alfa-Sale services in the case of costly and durable consumer goods such as electrical appliances, viz. T.V., Fridge, Mixers, Videos, Washing Machines, etc.
16. Right to consumer education: The consumers have right to get education about spurious and adulterated goods through posters, exhibitions and literature, etc.

    Measures and Agencies: The Indian consumers are facing many problems such as non-availability of many commodities, especially essential and several abuses like adulteration, black marketing, deceptive and misleading aggressive selling techniques and/or false warrantees. The Government, Co-operatives and voluntary organisation have come forward to rescue the consumer on several issues. But the efforts of the Government and Co-operatives could not reach the ultimate consumer. The consumers themselves have to take initiative rather than looking for somebody else to rescue them. There is a need to strengthen voluntary organisation to protect the consumer.

Responsibilities of Voluntary Organizations: The voluntary organisation must shoulder the following responsibilities. (1) Vigilance over the distribution of essential commodities. (2) Attending the breach of guarantees/warrantees by forming a Legal Action Committee to cater to such grievances of the members. (3) Provision of information to the buyers about the release of stocks of essential commodities. (4) Educating the consumers about brand selection and tanking of products according to merit and performance. (5) Conducting short-term courses for the members about their rights and also appreciation of the products. (6) Acting as liaison between the Government Business Community and consumers.

It is the Government that has to take active interest in the promotion of such bodies of every village and town. A case must be taken that vested interests do not infiltrate into these bodies. Various Consumer Organizations (Agencies) in India

The following are some of the voluntary organisations (Agencies) which have been functioning for the cause of consumers (1) Indian Federation and Consumer Organizations. New Delhi. (2) Voluntary organisation in interest of Consumer Education, New Delhi. (3) Consumer Education and Research Centre, Ahmedabad (4) Consumer Guidance Society India, Bombay (5) Consumer Council of India, Madras (6) Karnataka Consumers Service Society. Bangalore.