Question

Discuss the role of consumer organisations in the field of consumer protection.

Answer 1

Role of consumer organisations in consumer protection: 

• Consumer organisations are voluntary groups that work to protect consumer rights and interests.
• There are around 500 consumer associations in India; prominent ones include Voice (New Delhi), Common Cause (New Delhi), Consumer Guidance Society of India (Mumbai), Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) in Ahmedabad, and Consumer Utility and Trust Society (CUTS) in Jaipur.
• The Consumer Coordination Council is the apex body coordinating the efforts of these organisations.
• They make consumers aware of their rights and responsibilities.
• They educate consumers about remedies available for protecting their rights.
• They collect and test data on different products.
• They publish journals, brochures, and monographs on consumer affairs.
• They arrange talks, seminars, conferences, and workshops on consumer issues.
• They organise exhibitions on spurious and adulterated products.
• They organise protests and boycotts against practices like adulteration, underweight goods, and price rigging.
• They produce films and cassettes on topics like food adulteration and drug misuse.
• They run counselling and guidance centres for consumers.
• They file suits, complaints, and writ petitions on behalf of consumers.