Question

Explain the progress of consumer movement in India .

Answer 1

☆ In India, the consumer movement as a social force otiginated with the necessity of protecting and promotting the interest of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices.
☆ Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration; the malpractices of food and edible oil gave birth to the consumer movement in an organized form in the 1960's.
☆ Till the 1970's consumer organizations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions.

Answer 2

Answer:

The consumer movement in India has evolved vastly since it began. There has been a significant change in consumer awareness in the country. Till the enactment of COPRA in 1986, the consumer movement did not bear much force but ever since its inception, the movement has been empowered substantially. The setting up of consumer courts and consumer groups have been a progressive move. However, in contemporary India, the consumer redressal process is very complicated. It is an expensive and time-consuming process. Filing of cases, attending court proceedings, hiring lawyers and other procedures make it cumbersome for the consumers. There are over 700 consumer groups in India out of which, unfortunately, only about 20-25 are well- organised and functioning smoothly so far.

Even after more than 25 years of the enacting of the COPRA, a large section of the society of consumers is still unaware of their rights. Rules and regulations applicable to the market place are often not followed.