Chapter 5: Consumer Rights

Economics • Class 10

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate11 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter on Consumer Rights in the Class 10 Economics textbook discusses the significance of consumer awareness in a market economy. It elaborates on how consumers can be exploited in the marketplace through unfair trade practices and highlights the importance of legal measures like the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 (COPRA) to safeguard consumer interests. It also explains the role of consumer forums and the rights available to consumers for redressal of grievances, emphasizing the need for both awareness and active participation of consumers in the movement.

Key Topics

  • Consumer Protection Act, 1986
  • Consumer rights and duties
  • Unfair trade practices
  • Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions
  • Role of consumer organisations
  • Importance of consumer awareness
  • Certification and Quality Assurance (ISI, Agmark)

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the consumer rights guaranteed by the Consumer Protection Act, 1986
  • Identify various forms of exploitation consumers may face
  • Recognize the steps in filing a consumer complaint
  • Evaluate the role of consumer organisations in protecting consumer interests
  • Develop a critical understanding of consumer laws and rights
  • Enhance consumer awareness and assertiveness in the marketplace

Questions in Chapter

What are the various ways by which people may be exploited in the market?

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Think of one example from your experience where you thought that there was some ‘cheating’ in the market. Discuss in the classroom.

Page 2

What do you think should be the role of government to protect consumers?

Page 2

What could have been the steps taken by consumer groups?

Page 4

There may be rules and regulations but they are often not followed. Why? Discuss.

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Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.

Page 10

What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution.

Page 10

Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples.

Page 10

Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers.

Page 10

What is the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Page 10

Additional Practice Questions

How does the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 empower Indian consumers?

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Answer: The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 empowers Indian consumers by providing them with rights to redressal against unfair trade practices, representation in consumer courts, information about goods and services, and assurance of quality through standard certifications like ISI and Agmark.

What are some critical components that need to be checked to ensure a product’s safety?

easy

Answer: Critical components include checking for certification marks like ISI or Agmark, ensuring the product is within its expiry date, verifying the authenticity of product claims, and assessing any safety hazards such as electrical safety in appliances.

What steps can consumers take if they feel their rights have been violated?

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Answer: Consumers can file a complaint with the appropriate Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, use consumer forums for support, and gather evidence of purchase and defect. Legal action can also be pursued if required.

Discuss the significance of consumer education in preventing exploitation.

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Answer: Consumer education is crucial in preventing exploitation as it informs individuals about their rights and responsibilities, the legal recourses available to them, and ways to identify and avoid fraudulent practices.

What role do consumer organisations play in the consumer movement?

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Answer: Consumer organisations play a pivotal role by educating consumers, representing them in legal battles, lobbying for stronger consumer protection laws, and holding businesses accountable for unfair practices.