Consumerism in India : Consumerism is an organised movement of citizens and government to strengthen the rights and powers of buyer in relation to seller. It is the ideology and concept that has remained in business literature. Due to unfair trade practises, consumers are exposed to numerous risks, including physical, environmental, and financial exploitation.
He requires protection against products that are unsafe for consumption, such as drugs and adulterated food products, as well as products that may cause serious injury, such as defective electrical appliances. He needs protection against malpractices by sellers. He should have adequate rights and the ability to seek redressal against the defaulting businessman.
The CPA establishes mechanisms for resolving consumer grievances and provides a framework for the protection of consumer rights and interests. It also contributes to ensuring that consumers have access to accurate information about the goods and services they buy, as well as the ability to seek redress for any problems they encounter.
However, it is important to note that consumerism in India is a complex issue, with many factors contributing to the country’s growing consumer culture, such as demographic changes, urbanisation, and globalisation. In India, consumers have become more assertive and vocal about their complaints, and they have sought legal recourse to protect their interests.
Meaning and Definitions of Consumerism
Meaning –
The term ‘consumerism’ came into existence in early 1960. Consumerism is a social force designed to protect consumer interest in the marketplace by organising consumer pressure on business houses.
Definition –
(1) “A social movement is seeking to argument the right and power of the buyers in relation to sellers.”
(2) All environmental forces intended to aid and protect consumer throw the exertion of legal, moral and economic power on business.
Needs and Reason in the emergence of Consumerism
The main reason for the emergence of consumerism in India was the growing awareness among consumers of their rights and the need for protection against unfair trade practices, defective products, and poor quality services. Also includes following reasons which necessitates the need of consumerism in India –
- In vast Country like India, it is very difficult to organise the people. The people decide being the backward have linguistic, cultural and religious differences which makes the problem quite complex.
- Majority of the population is illiterate, ignorant and less informed.
- Poverty, lack of social awareness and accepting life as it is and passive outlook are some of the factors which may consume movement difficult to increase.
- The advertisement bombarded on the consumers make them quite confused and hence again a need of consumer guidance.
Object and Objectives of emerging Consumerism in India
- Empower consumer to have access to the basic need of life.
- Promote accountability and transparency through adoption of citizen’s charter.
- Promote and independent consumer movement in the country by providing assistance to consumer.
- Promote consumer education through formal as well as non-formal education systems so as to help consumers in their decision making.
- Protect consumers from hazards to their life and safety.
- Promote an independent consumer movement in the country by providing assistance to consumer and other relevant groups to form their organisations and giving them the opportunity to present their views in the decision-making process.
- Enhance the access of consumers to adequate information to enable them to make informed and environmentally begin choices according to individual as well as societal needs.
- Provide expeditious and inexpensive system of delivery of justice.
- Initiate and implement appropriate mechanisms for exchange of information on measures of consumer protection, nationally, regionally and internationally.
Related Post
1. What do you mean by consumerism?
Consumerism is an organised movement of citizens and government to strengthen the rights and powers of buyer in relation to seller. It is the ideology and concept that has remained in business literature. Due to unfair trade practises, consumers are exposed to numerous risks, including physical, environmental, and financial exploitation……
2. What are the reasons for the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019?
(a) To modernize the consumer protection framework
(b) To strengthen consumer rights
(c) To establish a comprehensive and efficient system for consumer protection
(d) To address emerging issues in consumer protection
3. What is the major difference between Object and Objectives of Consumer Protection Act?
The Consumer Protection Act has both an object and objectives. The major difference between the object and objectives of the Consumer Protection Act is that the object is a specific goal that the Act seeks to achieve, while the objectives are the broader aims that the Act seeks to promote. The object of the Act is to protect the interests of consumers by establishing various consumer forums and providing for speedy and inexpensive resolution of consumer disputes.
Reference Books
- Consumer Protection Act: A Commentary by G. B. Reddy
- Commentary on the Consumer Protection Act by J. N. Barowalia
- Consumer Protection (Law & Practice) by V. K. Agarwal
