Business Studies by Dorothy Mathias
Explain any 4- 6 ways & means of consumer protection followed in India– 6 marks
The following are some of the ways and means of consumer protection followed in India:
Lok Adalats: How do Lok Adalat & publicity measures help in protecting the consumer? – 6 marks
- The Consumer can approach the Adalat with his grievance. The issue is discussed and decision is taken on the spot. This saves time and money
Publicity Measures: How do Lok Adalat & publicity measures help in protecting the consumer? – 6 marks
- 15th March is celebrated as World Consumer Right Day all over the world ever year.
- In 1995 this day was organized at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- In addition, the Ministry with the help of DAVP undertook a massive outdoor publicity program such as displaying hoardings, banners, bus panels, etc.
- Telecasting on consumer protection is also done by Doordarshan on a fortnightly basis.
Public Interest Litigations: (Under what circumstances can a public interest litigation be filed?
- The Indian legal system does not provide legal services to large segments of the population such as the poor, environmentalists, consumers, minorities, etc.
- Therefore the Public Interest Litigations legally represents such groups for effective implementation of the law, environmental protection or any other social evils like bonded labour, etc.
Environmentally Friendly Products:
- The Ministry of Environment and Forests has introduced an “Eco-Mark” scheme. It is a label that has a symbol of an earthen pitcher. If this label appears on a product, it means that the manufacturer has satisfied the conditions laid down regarding the production processes and used environmental friendly materials.
- This scheme is consumer oriented so that people manufacture, use and dispose off products which are least harmful to the environment.
Redressal Forums & Consumer Protection Councils:
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 a judicial machinery such as the District Forums, State and National Commissions have been set up to provide speedy, effective and economical redressal of consumer grievances and disputes.
National Youth Award on consumer protection:
- To encourage consumers and youths to participate in consumer protection, the Union Ministry every year gives two national awards – National Award on Consumer Protection and National Youth Award on Consumer Protection.
- The Ministry also gives a National Woman Award to involve women in outstanding work in the field of consumer protection.
Consumer Welfare Fund :
A consumer welfare fund has been created according to the Central excise and Customs laws (Amendment) Act 1991. The excess amount of excise/custom duties which is not refundable to manufacturers or importers is credited into this fund and used for:
- Promoting the welfare of the consumers.
- Community based rural awareness projects
- Setting up a consumer guidance bureau to handle complaints, counseling and guidance
- Setting up consumer product testing laboratories.