RIGHT
TO SAFETY
Means right to be
protected against the marketing of goods and services, which are hazardous to
life and property. The purchased goods and services availed of 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
Means 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. Consumer
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.
Means right to be
assured, wherever possible of access to variety of goods and services at
competitive price. In case of monopolies, it means right to be assured of
satisfactory quality and service at a fair price. It also includes right to
basic goods and services. This is because 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
Means that
consumer’s interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It
also includes 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 which can be given representation in various committees
formed by the Government and other bodies in matters relating to consumers
Means right to seek
redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of
consumers. It also includes right to fair settlement of the genuine grievances
of the consumer. Consumers must make complaint for their genuine
grievances.Many a 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 organisations in seeking redressal of their grievances.
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 real consumer protection can be
achieved with success.