NATIONAL CONSUMER DAY

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Picture Courtesy: www.ritiriwaz.com

Context: India celebrates National Consumer Day on 24th December every year to mark the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986. The Act aims to protect the rights and interests of consumers and provide them with effective remedies against unfair trade practices, defective goods and deficient services.

Theme

• The theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2023 is "Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions." All consumers must have the power and knowledge to protest against market abuses and social injustices that try to undermine those rights in any way.

Consumer App

• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has organized various events and activities to commemorate the occasion, such as webinars, quizzes, competitions, exhibitions and consumer awareness campaigns.
• The ministry has launched a new portal called "Consumer App" to provide a single platform for consumers to access various services and information related to consumer protection. The Consumer App allows consumers to:
  • File complaints online and track their status
  • Access consumer helpline numbers and email IDs
  • Find consumer courts and mediation centres
  • Get information on consumer rights, laws and policies
  • Learn about consumer education and awareness programs
  • Participate in surveys and feedback
  • Connect with consumer organizations and experts

Conclusion

• National Consumer Day is an opportunity for consumers to assert their rights and responsibilities in the digital age and demand fair, safe and ethical transactions. It is also a reminder for businesses to respect consumer sovereignty and adhere to the principles of transparency, accountability and quality. Together, consumers and businesses can create a healthy and harmonious market environment that benefits everyone.

Must Read Articles:

Central Consumer Protection Authority: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/central-consumer-protection-authority

World Consumer Rights Day, 2023: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/world-consumer-rights-day-2023

PRACTICE QUESTION Case Study: Riya purchased a smartphone online from a popular e-commerce platform in India. After receiving the product, she realized that the phone delivered was different from the model she ordered and was of inferior quality. Despite multiple attempts to return the product, the seller refused to acknowledge the issue or provide a refund. Which of the following rights of consumers in India is violated in Riya's case? A) Right to Safety B) Right to Information C) Right to Redressal D) Right to Choose Answer: C Explanation Riya's inability to receive a proper response or resolution for the issue with the purchased smartphone violates her right to seek redressal for grievances against unfair trade practices or defective products.