National Consumer Day 2024 (GS Paper 1, Important Dates & Events)
Context
- Every year on 24th December, National Consumer Day is celebrated in India.
- This important day is observed to raise awareness about consumer rights and the responsibilities of businesses toward their customers.
- It commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, a landmark legislation that redefined consumer rights in India.
- For 2024, the theme is “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice”, which focuses on the role of technology in empowering consumers.
Key Initiatives for National Consumer Day 2024
On this occasion, several initiatives will be launched by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi, including:
- Jago Grahak Jago App
- Jagriti App
- Jagriti Dashboard
These initiatives aim to enhance consumer awareness, provide digital access to redressal mechanisms, and make consumer rights more accessible to everyone.
Historical Significance of National Consumer Day
- The celebration of National Consumer Day began in 2000 after the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, a revolutionary piece of legislation that recognized the fundamental rights of consumers and set up mechanisms for their protection.
- Over time, as India’s economy evolved and consumer behavior changed, new provisions were introduced in the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, which addressed emerging issues in e-commerce, product liability, and mediation.
- Additionally, the Right to Information (RTI) Act further strengthened consumer rights by promoting transparency in governance.
- Together, these laws have empowered Indian consumers to make informed choices and seek redressal for grievances.
National Consumer Rights Day in India
The Consumer Protection Act guarantees six fundamental rights for consumers, ensuring their protection:
- Right to Safety: Protection from hazardous goods and services.
- Right to be Informed: Access to accurate details about products and services.
- Right to Choose: Freedom to select from a variety of goods and services.
- Right to be Heard: Representation in forums addressing consumer grievances.
- Right to Seek Redressal: Remedies for unfair practices and exploitation.
- Right to Consumer Education: Awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities.
Consumer Protection Laws in India
India has enacted several key laws to safeguard consumer rights, including:
- Consumer Protection Act, 1986 & 2019: Establishes consumer councils and dispute redressal mechanisms.
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Ensures food safety and regulates food standards.
- Legal Metrology Act, 2009: Maintains standards for weights, measures, and trade practices.
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): Investigates violations of consumer rights.
Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies
The Consumer Protection Act establishes a three-tier redressal system to resolve disputes:
- District Commission: Handles disputes up to ₹1 crore.
- State Commission: Handles disputes between ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.
- National Commission: Handles disputes above ₹10 crore.
What Can You Do on National Consumer Day?
- Organize Awareness Campaigns: Participate in or host events to raise awareness about consumer rights.
- Share Personal Experiences: Write blogs or social media posts to inform others about unfair practices.
- Refuse Defective Products: Insist on quality and reject damaged goods to hold businesses accountable.
National Consumer Day serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer protection and encourages individuals to be more proactive about their rights and responsibilities.
