Right to Safety
This means the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and
services that are hazardous to life and property. The purchased goods and services availed
should not only meet their immediate needs but also fulfill long-term interests. Before
purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of the products as well as on the
guarantee of the products and services. They should preferably purchase quality-marked
products such as ISI, AGMARK, etc.
Right to be Informed
This means the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency,
purity, standard, and price of goods to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
Consumers should insist on getting all the information about the product or service before
making a choice or a decision. This will enable him to act wisely and responsibly and also
enable him to desist from falling prey to high-pressure selling techniques.
Right to Choose
It means the right to be assured, wherever possible, of access to a variety
of goods and services at competitive prices. In the case of monopolies, it means the right
to be assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price. It also includes the
right to basic goods and services. This is because the unrestricted right of the minority to
choose can mean a denial for the majority of its fair share. This right can be better
exercised in a competitive market where a variety of goods are available at competitive
prices.
Right to be Heard
It implies that the interests of consumers will be fairly taken into account
in the proper forums. It also includes the right to be represented in various forums formed
to consider the consumer’s welfare. The consumers should form non-political and
non-commercial consumer organizations that can be given representation in various committees
formed by the government and other bodies in matters relating to consumers.
Right to Seek Redressal
This means the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or
unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. It also includes the right to a fair settlement of
the genuine grievances of the consumer. Consumers must make complaints for their genuine
grievances. Many times their complaint may be of small value but its impact on the society
as a whole may be very large. They can also take the help of consumer organizations in
seeking redressal of their grievances.
Right to Cosumer Education
This means the right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed
consumer throughout life. Ignorance of consumers, particularly of rural consumers, is mainly
responsible for their exploitation. They should know their rights and must exercise them.
Only then can real consumer protection be achieved with success.
