CONSUMER EXPLOITATION

What Is Meant By Consumer Exploitation?

• When a producer is doing selfish deeds for his/her own benefit and the decision is a purpose giving more than mental happiness for only the producer and having adverse effects on consumer who may be illiterate or unaware, etc..

CAUSE OF CONSUMER EXPLOITATION

• Illiteracy and Ignorance: Consumers in India are mostly illiterate and ignorant

• Unorganized Consumers: In India consumers are widely dispersed and are not united. 

• Spurious Goods: There is increasing supply of duplicate products

• Deceptive Advertising: Some businessmen give misleading information about quality, safety and utility of products. 

• Malpractices of Businessmen: Fraudulent, unethical and monopolistic trade practices on the part of businessmen lead to exploitation of consumers.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT,1986

•  Consumer Protection Act, 1986 -- Under this law Separate Consumer tribunals have been set up throughout India in each and every district in which a consumer [complaint can be filed by both the consumer of a goods as well as of the services] can file his complaint on a simple paper without paying any court-fees and his complaint will be decided by the Presiding Officer of the District Level. Appeal could be filed to the State Consumer Forum and after that to the national Consumer Forum. 

RIGHTS OF A CONSUMER• Right to Safety- To be protected from hazardous goods

and services

• Right to Information- To be informed about the quality and performance of goods and services

• Rights to Choose- To Freely choose of goods and services

• Right to be Heard- To be heard in decision making process concerning consumer interests

• Right to Redressal- if consumer rights are infringed

• Right to Consumer Education

DUTIES OF CONSUMERS1. Insist on receipts or bill without fail, on all

the purchases made.

2. Do not feel tempted on misleading advertisements.Buy standardized products only i.e. of ISI. Agmark Brands.

3. File consumer complaints against default in goods deficiency in services, or unfair trade practice.

4. In case of doubt on any of the things, approaching consumer forum to get guidelines for taking action against trader or manufacturer.

1. Read information carefully on the packets before purchase.

• Check for markings on the package for quality standards or specification.

• Quantity on the package to be exhibited and consumer should ensure before purchase

• Max Retail Price whether written on the package

• Terms of guarantee and warranty available

• What the manufacturer or seller has assured for after sales service

CONSUMER COURTS

• Consumer Court is the name given to special purpose courts, that deal with cases regarding consumer disputes and grievances. These are judiciary set ups by the government to protect the consumer rights. Their main function is to maintain the fair practices by the sellers towards consumers.

FORMS OF CONSUMER EXPLOITATION

• The following are the forms of consumer exploitation :-

• 1) Underweight and Under measures.

• 2) High Prices.

• 3) Sub Standard Quality.

• 4) Duplicate Articles.

• 5) Rough Behavior and undue conditions.

• 6) Lack of safety devices.

• 7) Poor or inadequate after sales service.