World Consumer Rights Day: Jaago Grahak Jaago!

In this competitive world, the consumer plays an important role in the Indian economy. But in recent times, a consumer is fooled in many ways, thanks to advertisements which promote schemes such as buy one and get one free, recognise the actor and earn money and many such quizzes.

As per Consumer Protection Act-1986, consumers have all the right to buy things by checking the product’s authenticity and quality. Also, in order to preserve the consumers’ rights, the District Consumer Forum, Consumer Courts, and District Grievance Redressal System operate at the state and national level.

Consumers should always be alert while buying things. And if a consumer feels that he is being cheated then he should register a complaint with District Consumer Forum. Celebrating consumer day is very important in this competitive world,” Varsha Raut, Head, Advocacy & Campaigns, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat.

World Consumer Rights Day

President John F Kennedy on March 15, 1962, sent a special message to the US Congress in which he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights and this inspired the government to acknowledge the day as World Consumer Rights Day.

Precautions to follow while making a purchase

• Don’t pay more than the MRP
• The consumer has all the right to ask for a bill
• The consumer should pay attention to hallmark
• Check sealed products
• Check if the product is expired
• Prior filling petrol at petrol pumps, check the digital indicator
• Stay alert while during online shopping
• See all the information while buying things