Introduction
Consumer awareness empowers individuals to make informed choices in the market, ensuring they are not misled or exploited by sellers. It involves knowing one’s rights and responsibilities and being able to identify fraud or unfair trade practices.
How Consumers Are Exploited
- Adulteration
- Misleading Advertisements
- Overcharging
- Black Marketing
- Defective Goods
Consumer Protection Act (COPRA)
The COPRA act provides a legal framework for consumers to report malpractice and demand fair treatment. Introduced in 1986, and updated in 2019, it allows complaints to be filed at district, state, and national levels depending on the grievance value.
Six Rights of Consumers
- Right to Safety
- Right to Information
- Right to Choose
- Right to be Heard
- Right to Redressal
- Right to Consumer Education
Redressal Mechanism
Consumers can approach different forums based on claim value:
- District Forum – up to ₹1 crore
- State Commission – ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore
- National Commission – above ₹10 crore
Poster and Advertisement
Logos and Certification Marks
- ISI – Industrial products
- AGMARK – Agricultural goods
- FSSAI – Packaged food
- Hallmark – Jewelry
- Eco Mark – Eco-friendly products
Experiments Showing Adulteration
- Milk + water → diluted texture
- Chilli powder in water → red dye streaks
- Mustard seeds + water → argemone seeds float
Acknowledgement
I am grateful to Mr. Sharad for his guidance and support throughout the completion of this project. His encouragement motivated me to learn more about consumer rights and awareness.
Reflection
This project helped me understand the importance of verifying product details, certifications, and being an aware consumer in every purchase decision I make.
Bibliography
- NCERT Class 10 Economics
- https://www.jagograhakjago.gov.in/
- https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/