What are various ways in which the objective of consumer protection can be achieved? Explain the role of consumer organisations and NGOs in this regard.
Answers
SOLUTION :
The various ways in which the objective of the consumer protection can be achieved are :
(i) SELF REGULATION BY BUSINESS :
Many business firms believe in following ethical code of conduct to keep their customers satisfied and open consumers grievances cells to speed up the redressal.
(ii) BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS :
The associations like Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce of India (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) have laid down code of conduct for members of business organisation.
(iii) CONSUMER AWARENESS :
A well informed consumer about his/her rights and responsibilities can always protect himself or herself from exploitation of businessman and manufacturers.
(iv) CONSUMER ORGANISATIONS :
Such organisations spread awareness about consumers right with the help of various sources of information.
(v) GOVERNMENT :
The government comes with various laws or acts to protect the consumers , one of the most important is Consumer Protection act, 1986.
The role of consumer organisation and NGOs in protecting and promoting consumer interest are :
(a) EDUCATING CONSUMERS OF THEIR RIGHTS:
These organisations educate the consumer through training programmes, seminars, workshops, brochures, journals, etc .
(b) ENCOURAGING CONSUMERS TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION :
These organisations encourage consumers to take legal action against fraudulent and unfair trade practice of manufacturers and sellers.
(c) TESTING QUALITY OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS :
These organisations conduct regular tests to check the quality of various consumer product through accredited laboratories and results are made public.
(d) PUBLISHING CONSUMER RELATED MATERIALS :
These organisations published lot of materials on various media of information for the consumers welfare.
(e) FILING COMPLAINT ON BEHALF OF CONSUMERS :
These organisations file complaints with appropriate consumer courts on behalf of the consumers.
(f) INITIATIVE IN PUBLIC INTEREST :
Some NGOs take initiative in filing cases in consumer court in the interest of the general public , not for any individual.
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Answer:
There are various ways in which the objective of consumer protection can be achieved -
(1)-Self Regulation by Business Socially responsible firms follow ethical standards and practices in dealing with their customers. Many firms have set up their customer service and grievance cells to redress the problems and grievances of their consumers.
(2)- Business Associations The associations of trade, commerce and business like Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce of India (FICCI) and Conference of Indian Industries (CII) have laid down their code of conduct which lays down for their members the guidelines in their dealings with the customers.
(3) Consumer Awareness A consumer, who is well informed about his rights and the reliefs, would be in a position to raise his voice against any unfair trade practices or exploitation
(4) Consumer Organisations Consumer organisations plays an important protecting role in educating consumers about their rights and them. These organisations can force business firms to avoid malpractices and exploitation of consumers.
Functions performed by consumer organizations and non-government organizations are as follows:
(1) Accelerating Consumer Awareness/Educating Consumers.
The first priority of a consumer organisation is to accelerate consumer awareness towards their rights. To accomplish this task following efforts are made:
(i) To publish brochures, journals, and monographs.
(ii) To arrange conferences, seminars, and workshops.