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ECONOMICS (UNDERSTANDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) - 10 - Social Science solution

Class 10 - Chapter 5: CONSUMER RIGHTS

NCERTChapter 5Solution

1. Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.

Answer:

Rules and regulations are required in the marketplace to protect consumers from unfair trade practices and exploitation. In many situations, sellers may provide misleading information, charge excessive prices, or sell defective products. Therefore, government regulations help ensure fairness and transparency in the market.

Importance of Rules and Regulations

  1. To protect consumers from unsafe and defective products.
  2. To prevent adulteration and cheating.
  3. To ensure fair prices and quality standards.
  4. To provide information about products.
  5. To safeguard consumer rights.

Examples

  • Medicines must carry expiry dates and manufacturing details.
  • Electrical appliances should have ISI certification marks.
  • Packaged goods must display MRP, weight and ingredients.
  • Food products should meet safety standards prescribed by authorities.

Hence Rules and regulations create confidence among consumers and help maintain fairness in the marketplace.

2. What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution.

Answer:

The consumer movement in India emerged because consumers were increasingly exploited by manufacturers, traders and service providers.

Factors Responsible for the Consumer Movement

  1. Sale of adulterated food products.
  2. Black marketing and hoarding.
  3. Overcharging beyond the prescribed price.
  4. Sale of defective and substandard goods.
  5. False and misleading advertisements.
  6. Lack of consumer awareness.

Evolution of Consumer Movement

  • Initially, consumer groups were formed to raise awareness among people.
  • Voluntary consumer organisations began educating consumers about their rights.
  • The Government of India enacted the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) in 1986.
  • Consumer courts were established for speedy redressal of complaints.
  • Consumer awareness campaigns such as "Jago Grahak Jago" strengthened the movement.

Today, the consumer movement has become an important part of India's democratic system.

3. Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples.

Answer:

Consumer consciousness means awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities while purchasing goods and services.

Need for Consumer Consciousness

  1. To protect oneself from exploitation.
  2. To make informed purchasing decisions.
  3. To demand quality products and services.
  4. To seek redressal when rights are violated.

Example 1

A consumer should check the expiry date before purchasing medicines or food products.

Example 2

A consumer should insist on obtaining a cash memo or bill while purchasing electronic goods so that warranty claims can be made later if required.

4. Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers.

Answer:

Consumers are often exploited because of several unfair practices in the market.

Factors Responsible for Consumer Exploitation

  • Lack of consumer awareness.
  • Misleading advertisements.
  • Adulteration of goods.
  • Sale of defective products.
  • Black marketing and hoarding.
  • Charging prices higher than the MRP.
  • Lack of adequate information about products.
  • Monopoly and limited competition.

5. What is the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act, 1986?

Answer:

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted to provide better protection to consumers and safeguard their interests.

Main Objectives

  1. To protect consumers against unfair trade practices.
  2. To provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer grievances.
  3. To establish consumer courts at different levels.
  4. To promote consumer awareness.
  5. To ensure compensation for consumers who suffer losses.

The Act empowered consumers by granting legal rights and providing an effective grievance redressal mechanism.

6. Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit a shopping complex in your locality.

Answer:

Consumers have certain responsibilities while purchasing goods and services.

Duties of Consumers

  1. Check the quality and quantity of products.
  2. Verify the MRP and manufacturing details.
  3. Check expiry dates on packaged products.
  4. Look for quality certification marks such as ISI, Agmark and Hallmark.
  5. Demand a cash memo or bill.
  6. Read product labels carefully.
  7. Report unfair trade practices if noticed.
  8. Use products according to instructions.

7. Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet. Which logo or mark will you have to look for and why?

Answer:

While purchasing a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet, consumers should look for quality certification marks.

Honey

Agmark certification should be checked because it certifies the quality of agricultural products.

Biscuit Packet

The consumer should check for FSSAI certification and manufacturing details to ensure food safety and quality.

These marks assure consumers that the products meet prescribed quality standards.

8. What legal measures were taken by the government to empower the consumers in India?

Answer:

The government introduced several legal measures to protect consumers.

Important Measures

  1. Enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
  2. Establishment of District, State and National Consumer Commissions.
  3. Implementation of quality certification systems such as ISI, Agmark and Hallmark.
  4. Mandatory disclosure of product information.
  5. Consumer awareness campaigns like "Jago Grahak Jago".
  6. Strengthening food safety and product quality regulations.

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

Answer:

1. Right to Safety

Consumers have the right to be protected against goods and services that may be hazardous to their health and life.

2. Right to Information

Consumers have the right to know details regarding quality, quantity, purity, price and standards of products.

3. Right to Choose

Consumers have the freedom to choose from a variety of products at competitive prices.

4. Right to Seek Redressal

Consumers can seek compensation against unfair trade practices and exploitation.

5. Right to Consumer Education

Consumers have the right to acquire knowledge about their rights and responsibilities.

6. Right to be Heard

Consumers have the right to present complaints and have their grievances considered.

10. By what means can the consumers express their solidarity?

Answer:

Consumers can express their solidarity through collective action and participation in consumer organisations.

Ways

  • Joining consumer welfare organisations.
  • Participating in awareness campaigns.
  • Filing complaints against unfair practices.
  • Sharing information about consumer rights.
  • Supporting consumer movements.

11. Critically examine the progress of consumer movement in India.

Answer:

The consumer movement in India has achieved significant progress, but several challenges still remain.

Achievements

  1. Consumer Protection Act strengthened consumer rights.
  2. Consumer courts provide legal remedies.
  3. Awareness among consumers has increased.
  4. Quality certification systems have become widespread.
  5. Government campaigns have educated consumers.

Challenges

  • Many consumers remain unaware of their rights.
  • Legal procedures may take time.
  • Consumer organisations are not equally active everywhere.
  • Rural consumers often lack access to information.

Hence Although substantial progress has been made, greater awareness and stronger implementation are still needed.

12. Match the Following

Column A Column B
(i) Availing details of ingredients of a product (e) Right to information
(ii) Agmark (c) Certification of edible oil and cereals
(iii) Accident due to faulty engine in a scooter (a) Right to safety
(iv) District Consumer Commission (b) Dealing with consumer cases
(v) Food fortification (g) Addition of key nutrients to staple foods
(vi) Consumers International (f) Global level institution of consumer welfare organisations
(vii) Bureau of Indian Standards (d) Agency that develops standards for goods and services

13. Say True or False.

Statement Answer
(i) COPRA applies only to goods. False
(ii) India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive authorities established for consumer disputes redressal. True
(iii) When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District Consumer Commission. False
(iv) It is worthwhile to move to consumer commissions only if the damages incurred are of high value. False
(v) Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardisation of jewellery. True
(vi) The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick. False
(vii) A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of the damage. True