1.Right
to Safety
Means right to be
protected against the marketing of goods and services, which are
hazardous to life and property. The purchased goods and services
availed of should not only meet their immediate needs, but also
fulfil long term interests.
Before
purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of the products
as well as on the guarantee of the products and services. They
should preferably purchase quality marked products such as
ISI,AGMARK, etc.
2.Right
to be Informed
Means right to be
informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard
and price of goods so as to protect the consumer against unfair
trade practices.
Consumer should
insist on getting all the information about the product or service
before making a choice or a decision. This will enable him to act
wisely and responsibly and also enable him to desist from falling
prey to high pressure selling techniques.
3.Right to Choose
Means right to be
assured, wherever possible of access to variety of goods and
services at competitive price. In case of monopolies, it means
right to be assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair
price.
It also includes
right to basic goods and services. This is because unrestricted
right of the minority to choose can mean a denial for the majority
of its fair share. This right can be better exercised in a
competitive market where a variety of goods are available at
competitive prices.
4.Right
to be heard
Means that
consumer's interests will receive due consideration at appropriate
forums. It also includes right to be represented in various forums
formed to consider the consumer's welfare.
The Consumers
should form non-political and non-commercial consumer
organizations which can be given representation in various
committees formed by the Government and other bodies in matters
relating to consumers.
5.Right to seek redressal
Means right to
seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous
exploitation of consumers. It also includes right to fair
settlement of the genuine grievances of the consumer.
Consumers
must make complaint for their genuine grievances. Many a times
their complaint may be of small value but its impact on the
society as a whole may be very large. They can also take the help
of consumer organisations in seeking redressal of their
grievances.
6.Right
to Consumer Education
Means the
right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed
consumer throughout life. Ignorance of consumers, particularly of
rural consumers, is mainly responsible for their exploitation.
They should know their rights and must exercise them. Only then
real consumer protection can be achieved with success.
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