Importance of Consumer Protection

The following factors make consumer protection important.

Importance from consumer’s point of view

  1. Ignorant consumers are given information relating to consumer rights and remedies.

  2. Redressel agencies support the consumer who need assistance.

  3. Large number of consumers are exploited by manufacturers. Consumer protection safe guard, the consumers against unfair trade practices.

  4. Sometimes inconveniences like foul smell from the industries, noise of machines, etc. cannot be completely controlled. Consumer protection safeguards the consumers for such inconveniences.

Importance from business point of view

  1. Social responsibility of business can be explained by providing quality goods at reasonable price.

  2. Business are able to satisfy its consumers by providing right quality products. This helps them to retain its consumers and it serves the long term interest of business.

  3. Government intervention may spoil the image of business if they follow unfair trade practices. Business firms which violate the laws are likely to lose customers and goodwill forever.

  4. Business enterprises are morally brunt to be honest in their dealings with the public.

Therefore, Consumer protection is in the interest of business itself.

Consumer Awareness

A consumer who is well informed about his rights would be in a position to raise his voice against any unfair trade practices. In addition to this, an understanding of his responsibilities would enable a consumer to safeguard his interest.

Role of Consumer organisations and NGOs

There are more than 500 consumer organisations in India. Many of them are working as Non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Consumer organisations are voluntary associations of consumers. Consumer organisation and Non-governmental Organisations protect the consumers from being exploited from business. The role of these organisations is:

  1. To educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities.

  2. To inform consumers about the remedies available to them protecting their rights.

  3. To organise exhibitions on adulterated products.

  4. To arrange talks, seminars, conferences on issues relating to consumers.

  5. To publish journals on consumer affairs.

  6. To produce films on food adulteration.

  7. To run counseling and guidance centers for consumers.

  8. To file suits, complaints and write petitions before the courts on behalf of consumers.