Right to Safety
Means right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services, which are
hazardous to life and property. The purchased goods and services availed of should
not only meet their immediate needs, but also fulfil long term interests.
Before purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of the products as well
as on the guarantee of the products and services. They should preferably purchase
quality marked products such as ISI,AGMARK, etc
Right to be Informed
Means right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard
and price of goods so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
Consumer should insist on getting all the information about the product or service
before making a choice or a decision. This will enable him to act wisely and responsibly
and also enable him to desist from falling prey to high pressure selling techniques.
Right to Choose
Means right to be assured, wherever possible of access to variety of goods and services
at competitive price. In case of monopolies, it means right to be assured of satisfactory
quality and service at a fair price. It also includes right to basic goods and services.
This is because unrestricted right of the minority to choose can mean a denial for
the majority of its fair share. This right can be better exercised in a competitive
market where a variety of goods are available at competitive prices
Right to be heard
Means that consumer's interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
It also includes right to be represented in various forums formed to consider the
consumer's welfare.
The Consumers should form non-political and non-commercial consumer organizations
which can be given representation in various committees formed by the Government
and other bodies in matters relating to consumers.
Right to Seek redressal
Means right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation
of consumers. It also includes right to fair settlement of the genuine grievances
of the consumer.
Consumers must make complaint for their genuine grievances.Many a times their complaint
may be of small value but its impact on the society as a whole may be very large.
They can also take the help of consumer organisations in seeking redressal of their
grievances.
Right to Consumer Education
Means the right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer throughout
life.Ignorance of consumers, particularly of rural consumers, is mainly responsible
for their exploitation. They should know their rights and must exercise them. Only
then real consumer protection can be achieved with success.