Consumer Rights as per the Consumer Protection Act (2019)

True or False: Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumers have the right to access a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.

Answer: True.

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Consumer Rights as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019:

• Right to Safety
  • Protection against hazardous goods and services.
  • Emphasis on purchasing goods with quality assurance marks like ISI, AGMARK, etc.
• Right to Choose
  • Access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
  • Assurance of satisfactory quality and service in monopolistic scenarios.
• Right to be Informed
  • Complete information on the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods.
  • Protection against unfair trade practices through informed decisions.
• Right to Consumer Education
  • Acquisition of knowledge and skills for informed consumer choices.
  • Empowerment of consumers, especially in rural areas, to prevent exploitation.
• Right to be Heard
  • Consumer interests to be considered in appropriate forums.
  • Encouragement for consumers to form organizations for representation in decision-making processes.
• Right to Seek Redressal
  • Mechanisms to address unfair trade practices and exploitation.
  • Consumer forums at District, State, and National levels for grievance redressal.

Jurisdiction of Consumer Dispute Redressal Agencies

• District Commissions: Complaints with consideration value up to 50 lakh INR.
• State Commissions: Complaints with consideration value between 50 lakh and 2 crore INR.
• National Commission: Complaints with consideration value exceeding 2 crore INR.

Possible Redressal Outcomes

• Correction of product deficiencies.
• Free repair or replacement of defective products.
• Refunds, compensation for damages, and discontinuation of unfair practices.
• Corrective advertisements for previous misrepresentations.

Consumer Responsibilities

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing and addressing personal consumer issues.
• Critical Awareness: Questioning prices, quality, and services.
• Involvement: Being assertive for fair consumer treatment.
• Organization: Joining consumer groups for collective bargaining power.
• Sustainable Consumption: Considering the impact of consumption on others and the environment.
• Environmental Responsibility: Understanding the environmental impact of consumption and acting responsibly.